Yoga has been around for over 5000 years, and it has become quite popular in the U.S. over the past 20. Yoga works and heals on a deep and profound level.
In the West, however, we tend to physicalize yoga, working through the asanas or postures. Generally, there's a tendency to regard it in terms of its fitness component. But yoga can go much further, becoming a lifestyle and a profound spiritual practice.
The Yogic Lifestyle
An ancient Hindu practice, literally meaning “union” or “yoke,” yoga represents a philosophy for living one’s life—a way to harmonize the layers of our being, creating wholeness—of joyfully transforming our inner and our outer worlds. This also exemplifies true health and well-being. Health is so much more than simply the absence of disease, injury or infirmity, but rather a beautiful state of wholeness, where the different layers of our being are divinely intertwined and in harmony with each other, instead of at a standoff from each other.
One thing is for certain: living a yogic lifestyle goes well beyond trying to fit your ankle behind your neck! Some practice asana (postures) without consciousness of the "living everyday life" practices that are an integral part of yoga. Traditionally, yoga has been a tool that supports us in living an earthly life as a spiritual being. We strive for flexibility of the mindbody physiology, but most importantly, flexibility of spirit.
In both yoga and Ayurveda (a medical system and sister science to yoga), the intent is the union, yoking, or intertwining together of mind, body, spirit and environment into a mutually supportive relationship. This holistic approach to living weaves together consciousness-raising, mindbody wellness, fitness, and spiritually fueled, compassionate activism. It beautifully nurtures the flow of the life-force energy, or prana, throughout our mindbody physiology.
Benefits of Yoga
What specifically does all this weaving, intertwining, and connectivity accomplish when it comes to mind-body health? Western studies show that those who practice yoga regularly are less anxious and more resistant to stress (studies have proven yoga’s ability to lower cortisol levels). These people tend to have lower blood pressure and more efficient heart function. Studies at the National Institutes of Health found a strong correlation between yoga and the clearing of the coronary arteries (thus impacting heart disease risk), as well as proof that yoga postures and breathing techniques can significantly control back injuries, along with arthritis and rheumatism. It has even entered into mainstream cancer care.
"Yoga is for everyone, regardless of age, gender, size, physical capabilities"
Some call their yoga practice “meditation in motion,” and indeed it can have a meditative effect by virtue of the concentration you place on your breath and body while performing asanas. Its simultaneous ability to calm and invigorate results in a distinct heightening of awareness.
Yoga increases the body’s flexibility, releases tension, promotes better blood circulation, speeds up metabolism, improves digestion, and enhances endocrine and organ functions. Our minds calm down, our limbs become long and lean, and our mindbody physiology functions from a place of wholeness. We radiate this vibrant energy. We radiate peace. We radiate joy.
Breath Work
Pranayama or healing breathwork is an integral part of yoga. We connect the mind and the body through the breath. As a general guideline, inhale when extending the body and exhale when flexing it. Just remember to breathe smoothly and fluidly while moving through asanas, and pay attention to every sensation in your body. Connect with your body. Feel the stretch. Be exquisitely present with every nuance of the experience.
Yoga practice (aside from being a meditation in and of itself) is a great prelude to formal meditation, given how yoga profoundly quiets down the mindbody physiology—allowing one to go deeply into the silence within—where you commune with spirit.