People have been practicing yoga for thousands of years. While the original purpose was to elevate to a greater spiritual level, it became clear that yoga benefits the person as a whole
Modern
scientific research has shown that the tremendous overall health benefits of a
yoga lifestyle.
Yes, yoga does improve the body, but surprising scientific research has shown that it changes the brain, as well. It’s about becoming a better version of yourself and getting in touch with the real, authentic you as the brain becomes more uncluttered. It keeps us focused on the present.
While yoga begins on the mat, it extends to our entire day as greater compassion and awareness becomes a part of our life.
Yoga
won’t provide untold riches, although the physical benefits are remarkable. The
world is already filled with abundance, much of which we ignore. The real
beauty of yoga is that it grounds us to the present, connecting us to the
abundance that is within our grasp.
A better, more fulfilled life is within our reach when we let go and simply accept what is there.
Each yoga pose, which usually involves stretches, has its own purpose and benefit. The practitioner becomes aware of tension and learns to release it. Yoga poses are very specific, and perfection comes with practice, but it is not the ultimate goal.
Yoga involves a lot of stretching, but, more importantly, it creates balance by increasing flexibility and strength. Whatever type of yoga you practice, your body and mind simply improve.
Yoga is extremely diverse and individual, which makes it important to work at your own level of comfort. Don’t use the person next to you in class as a guide, or even the teacher.
Work the poses in the best way for you. This isn’t a speed contest, and you have nothing to prove. Yoga is a lifetime commitment, not a competition.
Even if
you are not used to exercising, you can practice yoga. You may not be as
flexible as the next person, but you will get there. Yoga is always a work in
progress and never a competition. While it is a physical practice, yoga will
inevitably touch on your spiritual side. It unifies mind and body to become
one.