"Yoga for Healing and Mindfulness"
A few weeks ago, I started going to yoga classes. It was more intense than I thought and more relaxing than I thought! As I learned about the benefits of yoga, it has become a regular routine in my life.
Yoga, combined with meditation, has been gearing me for success in every area of my life by teaching me to stay present and mindful.
What's It All About?
We westerners have turned yoga into exercise. However, yoga is not as simple as that. It is about connecting the mind with the body. It is a spiritual experience of finding balance and focus. Yoga is really a precedent of meditation and it is done so that our bodies are ready to meditate.
*It does not have to do with religion. You can be a strong Christian and practice yoga. It is not AGAINST it, it rather is FOR it.
Benefits of Yoga
Stress Reduction
Reduces stress and anxiety. This seems obvious, as much of yoga is bringing your mind into calm and focusing on gratitude, love, and the present moment.
Improved Fitness
When we practice yoga, we improve our flexibility, strength, and balance. We also improve our coordination with the body and also that of the breath with the body.
Staying In The Present Moment
Much of yoga is about meditation. Through meditation we learn to stay present, and to observe our thoughts. Staying mindful (in the present moment) is the key to getting in the "zone". Regularly getting in the zone, or flow, is necessary for those of us that want extreme focus when doing what we love to do. This state of mind is called the "flow".
Take Action...
Every day, try to do one thing that you have never done before. This increases your creativity, allowing access to all parts of your brain.
Why not try yoga, it is not very expensive--I get to do it for the admission fee at the rec centre. That is around $2 for an hour and a half. I assure you that this experience will lead to surprising inner discoveries of your mind and soul.
