The Yoga Alphabet: by Bari Koral
The purpose of yoga is to liberate oneself from the mental and emotional baggage that is accumulating in our minds. According to modern physics, every subatomic particle in your body is in constant transactions with all other particles in the universe. If these transactions were stopped, the person would cease to exist. In this respect, YOGA is a powerful tool to achieve this goal. Here are some benefits of Yoga.
Yoga is an ancient practice originating in ancient India. Patanjali codified yoga’s practices in the Yoga Sutras around 400 BCE. Prior to the creation of text, the practice was passed from teacher to student through one-to-one transmission. The word yoga, from the Sanskrit root yuj, means to join, apply, or unite. Through yoga, we can achieve complete union between our body, mind, and spirit. In doing so, we transcend our ego-personality, become more loving and compassionate, and achieve health and happiness.
The benefits of yoga go beyond physical health. It is a holistic system of beliefs and values. In addition to healing, yoga also teaches us to cultivate hope, change, and stillness. Through these movements, we carry our yoga belief systems through our bodies. It is a place for us to belong, to find our own energy, and to heal from painful or traumatic experiences. If we are experiencing depression, yoga is a place to come and go and reconnect.
The ancient practice of yoga is rooted in the Vedas. The word “yoga” literally means “union”, and the earliest writings on the practice refer to the union of the body and mind with the universal. A few hundred years later, the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most popular texts on yoga, mentions three distinct types of yoga. Yoga, as a discipline, originated as a spiritual practice in the ancient Indian subcontinent.
The history of yoga is complicated and multi-faceted. It has been traced back to the ancient Indus Valley civilization in South Asia. The philosophy of yoga stretches the body to achieve inner peace, while also promoting balance and harmony with the environment. YOGA has inspired thousands of people throughout history. And there is more to come. So, get ready for the journey. Just remember to breathe deeply and practice mindfully! You’ll thank yourself for your decision in the end!
A common misconception about YOGA is that it’s not for everyone. Traditional yoga is for a certain type of body. However, modern yoga has incorporated yogic principles to make it accessible to all types of people. It’s becoming a part of many people’s everyday lives. Social media has helped yogis share their knowledge and expertise with others. In 2019, a meta-analysis revealed the ability of yoga to improve QOL in people suffering from chronic pain.
A recent study showed that yoga can improve flexibility in older adults. Reduced flexibility is a natural part of aging. According to the American College of Physicians, 84% of American adults are experiencing some form of stress. And research shows that yoga is an effective way to reduce stress. That’s great news for people who are experiencing chronic back pain. Just imagine how much better you could be moving after a yoga class. You’ll be feeling refreshed, relaxed, and energized in no time.
From Bari’s album Little Box of Happy (comes with a free Yoga Pose Poster inside!). Available at https://barikoral.com/