Yoga

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The idea behind Yoga is, two-fold. Firstly, of course, to strengthen the body—however, it is not a cardiovascular type of exercise, as much as it is a meditative exercise. The movements of Yoga are slow and controlled—the breathing is slow and deep—therefore strengthening the lungs as well. It can also greatly improve posture.

There are many different understandings of the spiritual side of the practice of Yoga. I have heard teachers claim that “now all of us are one . . . Keep breathing . . . All of us are one.” . . . It sounds a bit extreme. If I had been instructing that class—I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t use those exact words. But the basic idea is similar—the unity of all things. The earth, the stars, the universe—all that exists is one. Layers of energy, often called the aura, emanate from all things. For many, there is a feeling of a connection with all things.

The postures, (the asans) in perfect time with the breathing techniques (the pranayama) Balanced—detailed and challenging breath and movement sequences are wonderful for someone advanced in the art of Yoga.

Yoga is undoubtedly a variable in creating a healthy, balanced body—and a sound, more peaceful mind. Patanjali Yoga has been said to have eight limbs they are as follows:

1) Yama –

The Yama are five beautiful concepts for the structuring of a peaceful world—all facets of hundreds of religions: Not to cause harm, honesty, not stealing, leading a spiritual life, and lastly, to be non-grasping.

2) Niyama –

These are considered individual disciplines—i.e. self-discipline there are five such guidelines, which are as follows: personal devotion or spiritual connection, cleanliness, self-discipline, self study, study of spiritual texts, and absolutely most importantly: contentedness

3) Asans –

Practice of the postures.

4) Pranayama –

Practice of breathing.

5) Pratyahara –

Detaching: emptying of the mind and body of the stresses of life.

6) Dahrana –

Concentration: holding on to the subject completely.

7) Dhyana –

Meditation: the development of a silent and meditative state.

8) Samadhi –

Samadhi is the spiritual goal of Yoga: the state of being in a trance of absorption of the divine.

Technique and posture are very important in Yoga. The seven chakras must be in certain alignment, the movement should be slow and graceful, and the body—the perfect motions in combination with correct breathing. It is understandable that many believe that there is a very divine energy about Yoga. There are certain diseases for which Yoga has been an alternative to medical treatment.

The power of Yoga has been proven to be an alternative to conventional medicine for patients with the following conditions:

Addictions
Asthma
Cancer
Depression
Headaches
High blood pressure
Rheumatism
General to severe back pain

In addition, it is being considered as possible treatment for Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, and Osteoporosis. If you are considering Yoga as a treatment for any of these conditions—find out what level of difficulty at which you should begin this form of exercising. Most importantly, first get a recommendation from your doctor.

Yoga poses:

In a way, yoga is all Yoga about poses or positions involving the alignment of the chakra and breath and control. Breath and movement sequences are combinations of several poses.
Yoga poses

There are several Yoga poses as well as many different kinds of Yoga poses. Yoga consists of about eight different general styles or methods of practice. All, of course, share the same basic concepts and mental as well as physical goals. However, some focus primarily on physically working the back, for instance: the most important Yoga poses in this case will differ from others, remaining the most important Yoga poses for another kind of Yoga. There are also very difficult one might focus on in other styles of Yoga designed to stretch and strengthen other specific parts of the body, and many that work the entire body, treating the body as left and right equals yin and yang.

There are specific Yoga poses for the floor parts of Yoga exercise, as well as the more familiar standing Yoga poses.

One of the most basic kinds of standing Yoga poses one will learn in Yoga is what is called the tree balance. In this balance you will:

1) Prepare as always by checking the posture and lifting through the torso, pushing your shoulders down.

2) Hold your eyes on one object diagonally or straight forward for the entire pose.

3) Stand with your feet together.

4) Lift up onto the balls of your feet.

5) Rock your weight back, onto your heels.

6) Strengthen the right leg shifting all of your weight and lift your left leg slowly up so that your foot lays flat, toes down, resting on your right inner thigh.

7) Your arms slowly lift up to what is called the prayer position: both palms meeting directly above the top of the head—the full body in perfect alignment. Meeting above the crown chakra and lengthening all the way through the body.

The benefits of practicing this posture are many. It will result in remarkably noticeable balance and grace.

The posture requires balance, focus and concentration—all the basic guidelines of Yoga—both spiritual and physical are involved in Yoga poses. The tree balance is one of the many Yoga poses where the key is to relax and clear your mind. Not thinking about the difficulty of the pose itself—releasing tension—that is the mental aspect of several complex positions—without which many Yoga poses would be virtually impossible to hold.

This is one of the most well known Yoga postures. However, there are many. Including, as I mentioned before, many floor Yoga poses. Focus and breath—this is how you remain in any of the Yoga poses.

One example of the floor Yoga poses is the snake:

1) Lay flat on your stomach with your hands on your shoulders.

2) Lift up by straightening the arms and focus up—as though your eyes were also a part of the arch.

3) Focus on pushing the pelvis down towards the floor—arching your back.

4) And keep your shoulders down, as with virtually all Yoga poses.

Remember, all Yoga poses are meant to be held. You do not just reach the posture. Instead you reach it and remain there—thirty seconds, a minute etc. Holding, breathing, the asana, and the pranayama, this is how the balance is earned. In all Yoga poses you will find that you can stretch further and further each time.

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