The practice of yoga began centuries ago as a system to prepare the body for meditation. Today in Western culture, the practice of asanas, or postures, has dominated the practice of yoga. While the practice of asanas is vital to any yoga practice, yoga encompasses much more.
Yoga, as an exercise practice, does much the same things as a traditional cardiovascular and resistance training workouts would - toning muscles, increasing cardiovascular capacity and reducing stress - with all the associated benefits over time - lower blood pressure, cholesterol, heart rate, ect. However, because the primary goal of a physical yoga practice is to link or yolk the breath to movement it does much more. By harnessing the breath several things are achieved. The mind is brought to a single point of focus, calming and quieting our overactive brain. Breath is directed through the body - healing tissues, improving flexibility, increasing mental clarity, soothing the body and bringing it back to homeostasis. The constant stresses of our day, the perceived dangers that put our body into the sympathetic nervous system of fight or flight are reversed. Throughout a practice, the body gradually returns to the parasympathetic system allowing digestion and rest. Once the parasympathetic system takes over, the body can return to a healthier, clearer, more focused and efficient state.
Most yoga classes incorporate a short meditation period at the beginning and end of the practice. Through the practice of meditation, you begin to direct your thought and actions more effectively, reducing your stress and your reactions to others. The practice of meditation slows down your “monkey-mind” and brings you moments of inner peace. So, each time you go to the mat you can do more for yourself than merely follow a physical practice. Form an intent or direction for your practice. Watch your breath and bring your mind into focus. You will begin to find moments of peace within your practice. As you continue to practice yoga these moments grow and stay with you as you go back out into the world.
The light in me salutes the light in you. Namaste.
