Some forms of exercise can be stressful for our joints. Yoga is a wonderful alternative. Practicing Hatha Yoga provides a way to gain flexibility, strength and, even, peace of mind.
There are many forms of exercise, but there is only one that can improve you physically, mentally and, if you choose, spiritually. Do you know what I’m referring to? Why, it’s yoga – of course!
Yoga practices date back centuries. In fact, in its truest sense, yoga is one of the classic systems of Hindu philosophy. However the type of yoga most familiar to Western cultures is Hatha Yoga, which is also known as physical yoga.
Hatha Yoga practice emphasizes developing proficiency in postures (or asanas). The postures range from very easy (even for beginners) to extremely difficult. Attaining proficiency, at whatever level is comfortable for the individual, then helps you to further develop a sense of peace and enlightenment.
When I began studying yoga, I did it because I thought it was interesting. I was curious how and why so many people were devotees. I also wondered what benefit would come from something that appeared so simple.
Frankly, my first few classes didn’t convert me. But over time, I found Hatha Yoga to be a source of physical, mental and spiritual improvement.
The physical aspects and benefits of yoga are the most widely known and accepted. Practiced gradually, and increased in duration and difficulty over time, the postures increase flexibility and improve physical condition.
Imagine standing tall, barefoot, legs together, hands in prayer position in front of the chest – this posture is the basis of many other postures. Your spine lengthens and your legs feel strong and rooted into the ground.
The mental improvements experienced through yoga practice are derived from the sense of serenity, comfort and harmony with nature felt during and after practice. Additionally, a period of rest is an important part of each practice session.
Let’s add to the posture above. You are still standing tall and straight, eyes closed, facing forward, breathing slowly and evenly – you can feel your mind calm more with each exhalation. Your tensions gradually disappear.
Finally, the spiritual improvement is a more subjective result. Some yogis (those who practice yoga), achieve great enlightenment and knowledge from their practice. Most, like me, simply gain a stronger belief in a Supreme Being.
This is more difficult to explain because even after many years of practice, some people never develop the spiritual sense of yoga. Perhaps the best way I can explain my feeling is a sense of understanding and contentment. Still standing in the posture above, your mind calm, you can hear the breeze gently rustling the trees and the birds singing. Even without opening your eyes, you can sense the warm glow of the sun and visualize wispy, white clouds in the bright blue sky.
Some people practice yoga simply for the physical benefits. Other people find yoga a way to relax and relieve stress. Still others seek the spiritual enlightenment. For whatever reason they are practicing, and Hatha Yoga has become much more popular in recent years. Classes are offered in a variety of places including: senior centers, schools, gyms and, of course, yoga studios.
Regardless of your age, or current level of fitness, yoga is a wonderful way to find physical, mental and spiritual well being.
There are many forms of exercise, but there is only one that can improve you physically, mentally and, if you choose, spiritually. Do you know what I’m referring to? Why, it’s yoga – of course!
Yoga practices date back centuries. In fact, in its truest sense, yoga is one of the classic systems of Hindu philosophy. However the type of yoga most familiar to Western cultures is Hatha Yoga, which is also known as physical yoga.
Hatha Yoga practice emphasizes developing proficiency in postures (or asanas). The postures range from very easy (even for beginners) to extremely difficult. Attaining proficiency, at whatever level is comfortable for the individual, then helps you to further develop a sense of peace and enlightenment.
When I began studying yoga, I did it because I thought it was interesting. I was curious how and why so many people were devotees. I also wondered what benefit would come from something that appeared so simple.
Frankly, my first few classes didn’t convert me. But over time, I found Hatha Yoga to be a source of physical, mental and spiritual improvement.
The physical aspects and benefits of yoga are the most widely known and accepted. Practiced gradually, and increased in duration and difficulty over time, the postures increase flexibility and improve physical condition.
Imagine standing tall, barefoot, legs together, hands in prayer position in front of the chest – this posture is the basis of many other postures. Your spine lengthens and your legs feel strong and rooted into the ground.
The mental improvements experienced through yoga practice are derived from the sense of serenity, comfort and harmony with nature felt during and after practice. Additionally, a period of rest is an important part of each practice session.
Let’s add to the posture above. You are still standing tall and straight, eyes closed, facing forward, breathing slowly and evenly – you can feel your mind calm more with each exhalation. Your tensions gradually disappear.
Finally, the spiritual improvement is a more subjective result. Some yogis (those who practice yoga), achieve great enlightenment and knowledge from their practice. Most, like me, simply gain a stronger belief in a Supreme Being.
This is more difficult to explain because even after many years of practice, some people never develop the spiritual sense of yoga. Perhaps the best way I can explain my feeling is a sense of understanding and contentment. Still standing in the posture above, your mind calm, you can hear the breeze gently rustling the trees and the birds singing. Even without opening your eyes, you can sense the warm glow of the sun and visualize wispy, white clouds in the bright blue sky.
Some people practice yoga simply for the physical benefits. Other people find yoga a way to relax and relieve stress. Still others seek the spiritual enlightenment. For whatever reason they are practicing, and Hatha Yoga has become much more popular in recent years. Classes are offered in a variety of places including: senior centers, schools, gyms and, of course, yoga studios.
Regardless of your age, or current level of fitness, yoga is a wonderful way to find physical, mental and spiritual well being.
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