Yoga means 'to unite', 'to join' or 'to be whole'. Yoga is thought to have originated in India many thousands of years ago, it is an ancient philosophical discipline that harmonizes the mind, body and spirit. In the western world today, yoga is seen as a mainstream form of exercise and a means of relieving stress caused by the demands of our modern day lifestyles. Made popular by pop stars such as the Beatles, Sting and Madonna, yoga has the ability to integrate and accommodate all experiences and cultures and is able to evolve whilst retaining its essence. This means anyone can practise yoga!!! no matter the age, level of health and fitness, religion or whether you can touch your toes or stand on your head. Yoga is for everyone. The benefits of practising yoga are endless. Physically it tones, strengthens, aids balance and enhances vitality and overall well-being. For the mind it improves concentration and memory, it can sharpen the intellect or release creativity and it steadies the emotions and gives mental serenity. On a deeper level the practice of yoga leads to self awareness and liberation.
....If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place. "..........Lao Tzu
....If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place. "..........Lao Tzu
FIVE POINTS OF YOGA
- Proper Exercise (Asanas) - Yoga poses help develop a strong, healthy body by enhancing flexibility and improving circulation.
- Proper Breathing (Pranayama) - Deep, conscious breathing reduces stress and many diseases.
- Proper Relaxation - Helps keep the body from going into overload mode, easing worry and fatigue.
- Proper Diet - Eating simple, healthy and vegetarian foods that are easy to digest notably have a positive effect on the mind and body, as well as the environment and other living beings.
- Positive Thinking (Vedanta) and Meditation (Dhyana) - These are the true keys to achieving peace of mind and eliminating negativity in our lives.
Proper breathing - Pranayama
Proper breathing connects the body to its battery, the solar plexus, which is an enormous reservoir of energy. The breathing techniques of pranayama set this energy in motion and revitalise both body and mind. By consciously regulating our breath, we’re able to store more prana (life energy) and draw on these energy reserves in our daily life.
Proper breathing connects the body to its battery, the solar plexus, which is an enormous reservoir of energy. The breathing techniques of pranayama set this energy in motion and revitalise both body and mind. By consciously regulating our breath, we’re able to store more prana (life energy) and draw on these energy reserves in our daily life.