What is Yoga and what are the benefits?
Yoga is a Sanskrit word that means Unite. It’s the union of the body, mind and spirit. This ancient practice allows you to attain strength and flexibility as well as enhancing your lung capacity, cardiovascular health, posture, balance and dexterity. Yoga helps reduce anxiety and depression, and is an excellent tool to relieve day stress. You will feel the overall benefits.
Here are some links on scientific studies on Yoga benefits.
Scientific Basis for Yoga Benefits – by Rick Nauert PHD Senior News Editor
Study Compares Health Benefits Of Yoga And Exercise
Yoga for anxiety and depression – Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School
Benefits of yoga – Aetna InteliHealth
Bienfaits du yoga – PasseportNet
What do I need to practice yoga?
You need a yoga mat and comfortable clothing.
Who can practice yoga?
Everyone can practice yoga, no need to be flexible, thin or in shape to begin the practice.
Yoga the lifestyle
Yoga practice is not only a physical practice but also applies on our life. Patanjali, who is considered the father of modern yoga, composed 195 aphorism named Yoga Sutras. In the Yoga Sutras, he describes limbs, or branches. These branches are the practical guide in personal development to attain harmony between the mind, body and spirit resulting in Samadhi or illumination.
Yamas and Niyamas
Yamas: Rules concerning our relationship with others:
Ahimsa – Non-violence it could be verbal, physical and mental towards others and towards ourselves.
Satya – Truthfulness without hurting others. As we practice Satya, we have to think about the consequences of our words before expressing ourselves. If the truth hurts, we should refrain from saying it.
Asteya – Non-stealing. It is not only for stealing material objects but also ideas and other possessions.
Brahmacharya – Sexual continence. This is self control or moderation, especial in sexual activities. Showing restraint and not giving away to your ego.
Aparigraha – Non-possessiveness. Living life with having what’s necessary and not taking advantage of others or situations. Also, not using your power to take advantage of others.
Niymas: are the attitude towards us and how we take care of ourselves:
Saucha – Cleanliness or purity at all levels. This niyama concerns interior and exterior purity. The practice of pranayama (breathing techniques) and asanas (postures) allow us to detoxify and clean our physical body. The mind and thoughts also have to remain pure. Exterior purity and cleanliness is maintaining our body and surroundings clean.
Santosha – is being content and accepting what is. It is also the practice of humility and modesty.
Tapas – Austerity. This niyama refers to keeping your body in good health. Tapas is practiced with body discipline, words and mind, eating only when we are hungry and maintaining a good posture.
Svadyaya – the study of spiritual sacred texts. This also implies studying ourselves. The better you know yourself the more you would be connected to others.
Isvarapranidhana – This niyama encourages us to let go and to connect with the Divine or what gives us a sacred meaning.
