Yoga Emotional and Physical Benefits

Not only does the practice of yoga have wonderful physical benefits, there are also more subtle benefits regarding the emotional and spiritual dimensions. Yoga-based relaxation techniques and stretching are effective because the mind is focused in a meditative way on the movements, skin / muscle sensations and relaxed breathing. A healthy body contributes to a healthy mind. Furthermore, a relaxed body contributes to relaxing the mind and emotions. This combination results in complete, dynamic health.

Yoga provides powerful skills for stress-management - coping with the stresses or ups and downs of daily life. Accumulated emotional stress can manifest as character armor in the body, which may lead to maladaptive psychological tendencies including anxiety, depression and addictions. In Yoga this armor is called "kleshas". The postures bend, stretch and twist these "kleshas" out of the system, thus releasing emotional blockages.

As the body becomes more flexible so do thinking patterns. As muscles become stronger so does ones inner power, confidence and self-esteem. The progressive relaxation (corpse pose) that concludes most Yoga classes is soothing and calming to the mind. Many people start doing Yoga to release tension from the body and learn to relax. Ultimately, they are surprised as they become more in touch emotionally and spiritually.

The combination of breathing, relaxation and meditation stimulates endorphins, slows down the brain wave activity producing an alpha state and distracts the mind from negative thinking leading to a heightened state of inner peace. Yogic breathing (pranayama) is the main agent for stress-reduction and enhancing spiritual awareness. The Latin word for breath is "spiritus" - respire and aspirate. Many spiritual masters feel that the ultimate is to experience the Spirit or Self. The Self is pure consciousness and a state of transcendent knowledge and bliss. This idea does not have to be understood intellectually.

The simple observation of oneself during yoga can be continued throughout the day. Through this increased awareness one can begin to listen and respond to internal messages. As this awareness grows and enfolds while practicing Yoga, it may begin to permeate other aspects of ones life. One may begin to feel more calm, relaxed, non-judgmental and focused.

Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., who runs the stress-reduction program at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, believes that our lives are the sum of our present moments but we are too often distracted to be aware of those moments. He adds that breathing consciously is the best way to learn to pay attention and it is the first step in meditation. As one Yoga student eloquently said, "Yoga brings more balance, peace, relaxation, joy, health, and light into my life. Practicing Yoga means nurturing and loving your Self or your inner Spirit!"

Tania Bloch, M.A. / C.Y.T

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Asanas

Image
Asana is not a particular posture, but a state. Within the word asana itself are the connotations of strength and firmness, as well as the connotations of pleasantness and comfort. This is the balance we are trying to achieve, strength and flexibility, not only in the physical postures, but also in our mental state. Take The Ambition Out Of It Everybody is unique and their progression in yoga is going to look differently than the person next to them. It is important to allow the asanas to arise out of an internal place rather than some externally imposed idea of what the posture should look like. As long as you are working at your peak, combining breath, bandhas, and movement, and you are gaining that internal sense of stretching and strengthening, you are exactly where you needto be. In the beginning, the physical aspects of the postures will affect you the most. In time, and as you progress, you will become more aware of the flow of prana, life force, moving through your
Read more

The Primary Series : Standing Asanas

Image
XII VIRABHADRASANA A-B • WARRIOR Vira=hero A From downward dog, Adho Mukha Svanasana 1. Inhale, step right foot forward between hands, bend right knee to 90 degrees, square the hips, press back heel and outside of foot into floor, as you lift arms up over head, palms together, gaze upward and really emphasize mula bandha. Drishti: thumbs. Hold for 5-8 breaths. 2. Inhale, straighten right leg, come up and turn around to other side, bend left knee, arms up over head. Virabhdrasana A, left side 5-8 breaths. B 9. Inhale, keep the trunk straight, a feeling of being pulled from four directions, revolve hips open to right, arms out to sides looking over middle finger of left hand. Bend left knee, tuck pelvis, lift chest. Press back heel and outside of back foot into floor. Drishti: tip of middle finger. Hold for 5-8 breaths. 10. Inhale, come up, straighten legs, revolve around to other side, bend right knee over right ankle, Virabhadrasana B, right sid
Read more

The History of Ashtanga Yoga

Image
Twenty years ago Ashtanga yoga was very much a fringe activity. Our small, dedicated group of students in Encinitas, California were mostly young, hippie typeswith little money and few material possessions. We did have one precious thing – Ashtanga practice, which we all knew was very powerful and deeply transformative. Practicing together created a unique and magical bond, a real sense of family. Over the years the Ashtanga family has grown considerably throughout the world and I’ve had the opportunity to share the practice with many wonderful people as both a student and teacher. In Austin, Texas I met Larry Schultz 15 years ago when he was just beginning his Ashtanga practice with my teacher, Pattabhi Jois. Even though the practice was very challenging for him, Larry approached it with great enthusiasm, optimism, and gratitude. He, like so many others, recognized immediately that this was exactly what he had been looking for and was very excited by both the practice and the people i
Read more