Losing weight, obtaining a strong and flexible body, evidence healthy skin and quiet the mind are some of the goals that many people plan to achieve at different stages of life. All of them, however, can be achieved jointly and naturally through the daily practice of yoga.
Often, yoga is partially understood as a discipline limited to the realization of physical postures (asanas). From this perspective, its usefulness is perceived only at the physical level, ignoring the benefits it offers on the mental-spiritual plane. It is evident that when equilibrium is experienced in all aspects of life, the path becomes simpler and more pleasant.
Health is not only achieved by achieving a good physical condition, but it is complemented by a mental and emotional balance, according to the World Health Organization. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar agrees and teaches that health is not the mere absence of disease, but the dynamic expression of life. This is where the benefits of yoga essentially fall, by performing asanas (physical postures), pranayamas (breathing techniques) and meditation.
The practice of Surya Namaskar (“Greetings to the sun”) and Kapalbhati pranayama (abdominal breathing) are two of the different techniques yoga offers for weight loss. In addition, over time, practitioners tend to become more sensitive about the kind of food they eat and the right time to do it. This also helps maintain weight control.
Yoga is a natural method to get rid of accumulated tension on a daily basis (both in the physical and mental body). In effect, postures, pranayamas and meditation are effective techniques for releasing stress stored throughout life.
Millions of people yearn to visit serene places and connect with natural beauty. However, they seldom become aware that true peace is found in the interior, by silencing the whirlwind of thought and living the present moment. Along with meditation, yoga is one of the most effective tools to appease a disturbed mind. In fact, after a series of bodily postures, the mind is quieter and more prepared for meditation.
The human being is a perfect combination of body, mind and spirit. An irregularity at the physical level affects the mental plane. In the same way, any restlessness present in the mind can manifest itself as a disease in the body. Yoga postures not only massage the different organs of the body, but also strengthen the muscular system. In addition, breathing techniques and pranayamas help to release stress, which results in an improvement in the immune system, scientifically proven.
The mind is constantly involved in various activities and thoughts, oscillating between the past and the future; only a few instants manages to remain in the only moment that exists: the present. Becoming aware of this natural tendency of the mind is the first step in reversing it. And yoga and pranayamas, through conscious breathing, help that bring the mind to the present moment, which brings a greater state of alertness and concentration.
It is surprising, but yoga can even contribute to improving the relationship with the social environment, be it a couple, parents or friends. A relaxed and happy mind is able to deal sensitively and sensitively with daily relationships. Moreover, the energy and positivity of a practitioner can infect nearby people.
Moving from one task to another, or having several simultaneous activities, can be exhausting. But unlike what many might think, a few minutes of stretching the body and relaxing the mind allow you to regain freshness and brightness, even after a day of hard work. Sometimes fatigue occurs on the mental plane, so yoga helps restore the lost energy.
A strong, flexible and healthy body is the result of continuous practice. In addition to improving the posture of those who have back problems, yoga stretches, tones and strengthens the muscles of the body. Yoga and meditation have the power to improve intuitive ability, without effort. It is a state that occurs naturally after an uninterrupted practice, fundamental for decision making and the handling of daily and transcendental situations.
“Through the practices of yoga, we discover that concern for the happiness and well being of others, including animals, must be an essential part of our own quest for happiness and well being. The fork can be a powerful weapon of mass destruction or a tool to create peace on Earth”
