“We begin by refining our behavior in the outer world and then we focus inwardly until we reach samadhi (enlightenment).”
Isn’t that a relieving thought? Changing our outlook on the world and looking at ourselves until we reach enlightenment. The true definition of “yoga” is to yoke or bind. Through yoga, the mind and body bind together and are forced to work together in a relaxing and rejuvenating way. How? Why is yoga so good for my body?
History
According to Yoga journal, “The Indian sage Patanjali is believed to have collated the practice of yoga into the Yoga Sutra an estimated 2,000 years ago. The Sutra is a collection of 195 statements that serves as a philosophical guidebook for most of the yoga that is practiced today.” The Sutra also explains eight different limbs, or types of yoga.
- Yamas (restraints)
- Niyamas (observances)
- Asana (postures)
- Pranayama (breathing)- (this one is my favorite and it is so relaxing)
- Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses)
- Dharana (concentration)
- Dhyani (meditation)
- Samadhi (absorption, enlightenment)
Today, most people participate in asana. Asana helps to improve posture and build muscle strength to meditate for long periods of time.
Why is yoga so good for the body?
Yoga is more than focusing on the physical posture.Yoga journal describes yoga, compared to stretches and other fitness activities, as a combination of the mind, body, and breath working together to connect our attention to our bodies without judging or wanting to change. “We become more aware of our experiences from moment to moment. The awareness that we cultivate is what makes yoga a practice, rather than a task or a goal to be completed. Your body will most likely become much more flexible by doing yoga, and so will your mind.”
Benefits
There are so many benefits from yoga. Whether you do yoga once a week, or six times a week, the results are refreshing. Yoga journal came up with 38 health benefits of yoga. I won’t name all of them, but I will list a few.
- Improves flexibility
- Builds muscle strength
- Perfects posture
- Prevents cartilage and joint breakdown
- Protects your spine
- Betters your bone health
- Increases your blood flow
- Drains your lymphs and boosts immunity
- Ups your heart rate
- Drops blood pressure
- Regulates your adrenal glands
- Makes you happier
- Founds a healthy lifestyle
- Lowers blood sugar
- Helps you focus
After high school, I decided to go to a community college to further my education and play soccer. The first day of practice, I strained my hip flexor muscle, abductor, and groin. The doctor advised me to not play the rest of the season. I took his advice, and he sent me to physical therapy to see if that would help. At the physical therapy classes, I participated in yoga to strengthen my muscles and regain my balance. About three months later, the doctor cleared me to finish the soccer season. Yoga not only strengthened my muscles, but was able to help me relieve any stress or worry I had. There are so many different benefits of yoga, for anyone.