Yoga for the mind, body and soul

What is yoga?

”Yoga is the artwork of awareness on the canvas of body, mind, and soul.”

Amit Ray

Yoga is a practice that focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing. Through this, it develops physical and mental wellbeing through the enhanced control of the mind and body. The art began 5000 years ago in Indian philosophy and has spread across the world, recently becoming very popular in Western culture.

Various styles of yoga combine a series of physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation.

The Different Branches of Yoga

There are many different types of yoga which each focus on a different idea. For example some are physically challenging, whilst others concentrate more on meditation and breathing.

There are six fundamental branches of yoga out of which, modern yoga practices have evolved from. These original branches are:

• Hatha Yoga – This branch is a powerful instrument for self-development as it brings attention to the breath and therefore, the present moment.
• Raja Yoga – Tending to appeal to a more spiritual audience, this path of yoga involves meditations and devotion to the eight-limbed path towards self-realisation. This is where one obtains the knowledge and embodiment of one’s True Nature or Divine Self, beyond ego.
• Bhakti Yoga – By seeing the Divine in people, things and all life, Bhakti channels emotions and brings about acceptance, tolerance and love for all beings. It also comprises of chants that cultivate and nurture feelings of connectedness, love and bliss.
• Jnana Yoga – A ‘yoga of the mind’ focussing on wisdom and developing the intellect through study, Jnana yoga involves a disciplined study of scriptures and constant inquiry into the nature of self.
• Karma Yoga – Aiming to create a future free from negativity and selfishness, Karma yoga is the path of selfless action and the yoga of doing.
• Mantra Yoga – Mantra yoga is the yoga of sound. Considered sacred expressions, mantras are syllables, words, or phrases embodying a specific element of the Divine. Mantra yoga is the practice of becoming centred through the repetition of these mantras.

HOWEVER, yoga doesn’t stop here! There are countless other types of yoga that can be layered on top of these branches…

Here are some more examples:
Ashtanga Yoga
Bikram Yoga
Iyengar Yoga
Jivamukti Yoga
Power Yoga
Sivananda Yoga
Vinyasa Yoga
Yin Yoga

Myths about Yoga

• It is slow and boring
• It can only be practised in stuffy, incense-filled rooms
• You can only do it if you’re flexible
• It’s just for women and spiritual people who like chanting
• You have to find an expensive yoga instructor to guide you

INFACT, there are many types and styles of yoga that come under the six original branches. Whether you are looking for a calming session to focus and re-centre, a practice to send you on a path of self-transformation or a yoga that pushes your fitness and strength, there’s almost definitely a yoga style out there for you! You don’t even have to do it by yourself, Acroyoga means that we can practice postures and balances with a partner.

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People of all ages, fitness levels, and flexibilities can experience the benefits of yoga whether you’re in it for spiritual development or just a bit of fun! The fitness and flexibility are as a result of continuous practice as opposed to a necessity before you start your journey!

Gyms, community centres and yoga studios have an array of different styles on a weekly basis. It’s worth searching around for the yoga that you can love entirely.

Not only this, but you can learn FOR FREE!

Yoga, anywhere!

With wonderful yogi souls such as Adriene Mishler sharing their gift with a huge online community, we are able to practice and develop a vast array of Yoga styles pretty much anywhere we could think of!

All we really need is a flat (preferably soft) surface or a yoga mat, and we’re good to go!

No need to sweat about looking good at the gym or facing that bitter rain storm outside, just roll outta bed and onto your floor (or even do it in your bed – yes there’s even such thing as BED YOGA!!)

Or if you’re feeling some fresh air on your face… what’s to stop you from heading for the hills and connecting with yourself and nature when you have a yoga instructor in your pocket or the access to simple yoga sequences?!

Health benefits of Yoga

Mind
Yoga reportedly helps with a multitude of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.
The act of doing yoga can bring us into the present moment and calm us down, as it promotes the focus on the movements of our bodies instead of the thoughts in our minds. This break from a mental, ongoing dialogue (the voice in our heads) can bring us peace of mind- on and off the mat.
Showing up on our mats is something of an achievement. Even if we miss out some tricky steps or take it easier than usual, we are taking time for ourselves and that builds strength of mind and confidence in ourselves.

“We all wish for world peace, but world peace will never be achieved unless we first establish peace within our own minds.” 

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Body
Yoga, as most forms of exercise, has some serious health benefits! As well as building muscle tone, strength, endurance and flexibility, it is also reported to help decrease symptoms of disease and illnesses.
For example, people living with chronic pain can experience better pain management and a decrease in pain, as stress, anxiety and fatigue decreases and immune function increases.
It has also been proven to reduce high blood sugar levels and help blood glucose control, perfect for those living with diabetes.
And… IT IMPROVES YOUR SEX LIFE!!! Just when you thought yoga couldn’t get any better!

“It’s not about being good at something. It’s about being good to yourself.”

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Soul
Yoga is a wonderfully enriching tool for self-development and connecting with our inner selves. It aids us in bringing ourselves into the present moment and using the skills we learn in the practice throughout the rest of our day. Whether it be breathing techniques, body scans or just feeling our bodies as we carry out everyday tasks, yoga helps us to develop mindfulness and meditation techniques which help us to take control of our thoughts and emotions.
As stated previously, turning up for a yoga session means we are taking time for ourselves. This time is for self-love. As yoga has so many benefits, that to put it basically, it just FEELS GOOD!

“Yoga takes you into the present moment. The only place where life exists.”

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