15 Nov What is Yoga?
Yoga is a lifestyle both on and off the mat. The TOOLS of yoga are Pranayama (breathwork), Dhyana (meditation), and Asana (the physical practice).
The term “Yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit root word “yuj,” meaning to yoke, to join or unite. Yoga is all about uniting the mind and body, in every way. Through the foods we eat, through our actions, the ways in which we nourish our bodies, through movement, meditation, and breath. Yoga is the act of working towards a harmonious lifestyle of balance.
Asana.
The physical practice of yoga, on the mat. Linking breath to movement, mind and body. Asana allows your body to express its energy. It releases endorphins and creates ease, and breaks up stagnation in your aura. Understanding movement requires you to get quiet and go inwards, to a deeper state of self-discovery and exploration. To know your body is to create harmony. Get comfortable within yourself.
Pranayama.
When we breathe, we allow our nervous system to reset, and send the proper signals to the body. Our breath sustains us and allows us to move more freely, without tension. When you are not breathing (properly), your sympathetic nervous system is active. This is your fight or flight response. Disconnected. When you use your breath, you incite the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes calm and restoration.
Meditation.
The practice of meditation unpacks the past trauma or stress from the body and mind. This can be past stress from 5 minutes ago, or 15 years ago. When you meditate, you are reconnecting and rebuilding parts of the brain that have been damaged by stress or trauma. Meditation frees up space for deeper breaths, for more knowing of self.
These three practices are the main tools of yoga, used for linking the mind and body. It is a spiritual discipline. Yoga is self-awareness. When you sit, when you move, when you breath…you are practicing yoga.
The Challenge: Decide on one way, TODAY, to practice yoga. Journal about what comes up when you go inward.