Close your eyes and think about the word ‘Yoga’. Note down your feelings on a piece of paper. So what did you think? Did you also think of humming or chanting of mantras, a serene atmosphere, fragrance and aroma of candles, different positions and postures, special yoga apparel, the list is endless.
Well you are right as there is a name given to almost all of your thoughts in this oldest form of exercise. For example, your thought about humming or chanting of mantras is nothing but meditation. Similarly, there are many different postures that you practice when practicing yoga such as putting your foot behind your head.
Yoga one of the most practiced form of exercise, which originated from India doesn’t only concentrate on the physical aspect of exercise. This physical form of exercise can be practiced anywhere even in a gym where you can reduce weight by doing cardio exercises or by weight training. However, yoga not only strengthens your muscles. It also aides in making your mind healthier, making it free from all tensions and worries.
Do you know how many different types of Yogas are there? There are eight main types of yogas. These are:
- Bhakti Yoga
- Karma Yoga
- Jnana Yoga
- Raja Yoga
- Mantra Yoga
- Laya Yoga
- Tantra Yoga
- Hatha Yoga
Each type of yoga is unique in the way it is practiced. Also, different types of yoga postures offer different benefits ranging from spiritual to physical benefits. Meditation is a form of yoga that helps you gain calmness and relaxation by the breathing techniques practiced therein. The relaxation techniques practiced in yoga help cure a number of ailments such as high blood pressure.
As you already know, Yoga originated in India almost six to seven thousand years ago. In the medieval times people kept themselves fit by practicing the art of meditation and stretching exercises.
Yoga can therefore be considered as the oldest form of exercise that the world knows about. Stories from India’s religion books such as Vedas and Upanishads mention yogis practicing yoga in different postures. Those interested in studying yoga in depth can read the yoga sutra compiled by Guru Patanjali. The yoga sutra is considered as the guidebook of principles and practices of yoga. This yoga sutra also mentions the following eight limbs which are mainly exercised when doing yoga. These limbs are:
- Yamas or restraints
- Niyamas or observances
- Asanas or postures
- Pranayama or breathing
- Pratyahara or withdrawal of senses
- Dharana or concentration
- Dhyani or meditation
- Samadhi or absorption
A yogi who practices yoga regularly performs each of these limbs presenting a stage of ashtanga or the enlightened path. All these elements when practiced properly can make the practitioner lead a happy life. These ashtangas also help in strengthening your mind, body, and soul. Won’t you then like to practice yoga yourself to experience not only these benefits but much more.
Many yoga classes are out there, and you may be turned off if you pick one that does not suit your personality and state of physical fitness. For most beginners, a hatha or vinyasa class will be most appropriate, depending on whether you want a slow or fast-paced class. These are basic styles, and you can always try something fancier later.
I started taking Yoga lessons last month and i am amazed of how it can take away the stress of my mind and body.
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