A question was asked to me
the other day; the question being: what are
the benefits and the purpose of yoga? My reply was, my yoga journey started a
few years ago it was for a healing purpose only as I have lower back issues
situated in the lumbar region, when I don’t practice often, but now my journey
has changed to now studying yoga.
Through yoga I feel the difference from when I
first started to now, I am able to still my mind and calm my body through Asana
poses, combined with relaxation, meditation and pranayama which when practiced
regular can assists in lengthening the breath and allow the flow of prana (life
force) from the base ( Muladhara Chakra) all the way up the center to the crown
( Sarashasra Chakra) and therefore being
able to be in postures longer.
With regular practice you can
unblock any blockages that are inside your inner channels and with this
unblocking you are able to become aware of your body, mind and knowing how far
you can go in your practice, this is important as yoga is not about bringing
harm to you or anyone practicing, it is about learning Ahimsa which means no
harm.
Through regular practice you
are able to calm the chatter which can be negative thoughts running through our
minds, this is called the manas mind.
In becoming aware of myself
inside and out I now understand the core of yoga and practice on a daily basis
the 8 limbs of yoga, also known as the path that forms the structure of a yoga
practice. I have learnt not to cause harm to myself and others, love myself and
others, let things go that are out of my control and I have also learnt how to
control my emotions.
Through Yoga I have learnt we
have layers or sheaths that work within our bodies, there are five in total and
are also known as the koshas, recognized as energy within our subtle system.
The five koshas are controlled by three gunas that are Sattva (this has a
spiritual quality), Rajas (this has an active quality) and Tamas (this has a
dull quality). These Gunas are found in all living things and all three are
present in our yoga practices.
Yoga has been life changing
for me in many ways and I invite others to embark on this journey too.
Namaste
What is the Synthesis of Yoga for you?