Why do we need to be relaxed before beginning yoga?
Relaxation is one of the most enjoyable and beneficial parts of my yoga practice. It helps calm my mind and relieve the stress of daily living. Relaxation before you begin will help you get into the proper state of mind. Take a few minutes to relax between each series of postures to help re-center yourself and feel the benefits of the postures you've completed.
The word Yoga comes from Indian philosophy, it literally means union, and in this context refers to the union of the individual's soul with the universal.
Practicing Yoga is an ancient philosophy of life as well as a system of exercises that encourages the union of mind, body, and spirit. In the words of Patanjali, author of the Practicing Yoga Sutras, "yoga is the ability to focus the mind on a single point without distraction." Practicing Yoga is a physical discipline; it uses the body and breathing to develop self-awareness and mental clarity.
Practicing Yoga is not just for athletes, popstars and supermodels! Practicing Yoga is for everyone: young or old, male or female, healthy or sick. Practicing Yoga can always be adapted to your individual needs, whatever your circumstances.
Even if you are facing many challenges in life, it's easy to start doing yoga and you will experience instant benefits, such as stress-relief. Furthermore, once you begin to practice regularly, yoga will help you to live your life with renewed positivity and enthusiasm.
Practicing Yoga is safe. Where other forms of exercise might put a strain on your heart, muscles and joints, yoga, practiced properly (with awareness to your physical limitations), is a completely harmless form of exercise.
Practicing Yoga needs no special equipment. While there are a few props that might make your practice more comfortable, the only thing you need in order to do yoga is you.
Practicing Yoga both tones the respiratory system and helps you to breathe more fully, deeply and easily (thus increasing your oxygen intake), which in turn, will improve your physical and mental well-being.
Practicing Yoga improves the efficiency of your body systems, aiding digestion, the assimilation of nutrients and the elimination of toxins.
Practicing Yoga improves the quality of your sleep so that, when you wake up, you feel refreshed and full of vitality.
Practicing Yoga gives energy and helps you to channel your energy effectively so that you don't waste it on tension, stress and negativity.
Through practicing yoga techniques, you experience a genuine sense of outward tranquility, which eventually helps you achieve a deep state of inner peace, too.
