The Benefits of Yoga as a practice

Strength on the mat, strength in your life!

 

 

Yoga is a method I discovered that greatly assisted me in connecting with myself and inspired me because I realized, its not just body work one does, but a whole philosophy that assists in creating this mind body-soul-connection which I so hold as my philosophy to life.

This ancient science offers a direct means of quietening down the mind; and within time, ceasing the natural disturbance of thoughts and restlessness of body that prevent us from knowing what and who we really are.

Through the physical part of yoga, we are able to change waves and chemicals in the brain, which ultimately affect the way we feel. The postures and breathing techniques increase alpha waves which contribute to relaxation, theta waves which cause pleasant dreams and emotions,  endorphin which is responsible for pleasure and pain relief and serotonin levels which provide us with feelings of happiness and well-being. At the same time, yoga also decreases cortisol, which is a stress hormone.

These techniques also help us to overcome anxiety and depression and make us feel more connected to our intuitive, inner selves by understanding the mind-body connection.  

 

We develop strength and self esteem by accomplishing body postures that we initially believe are totally impossible. Yoga helps us to  watch our feelings without judgment and to recognise that we are not our bodies, thoughts, or emotions.  That we observe these behavioral patterns but are not defined by them. 

We are bigger than our feelings, we can manage them. We learn to take control of our minds and can therefore control our reactions, our anger, and our interactions with others. We are bigger than our thoughts and can change them. We are bigger than our bodies and can listen to their signals and take better care of them. We learn an acceptance of self and that we are exactly where we are supposed to be at this moment, no judgment about it! 

 

The Sanskrit word Yoga itself means union. Union  of the individual consciousness or soul with the Universal Consciousness, your soul, the divine, the eternal self or whatever you prefer to call it. Though many people think of yoga only as a physical exercise that incorporates postures and breathing techniques, they are mistaken, it is a profound science of unfolding the infinite potentials of the human mind and soul.