- Yoga: A Path to The Self
- By: Edel Jarboe
What is Yoga?
Yoga, whose roots lie in Hinduism,
is defined as balance. It is the attempt to walk in balance mentally,
physically, and spiritually so that one can understand the lessons
of the past, fully experience the present, and see all the potential
of the future. At its core, Yoga is the attempt to transcend
the ego and become pure self or bliss. Yoga teaches guidelines
and values to follow, as well as practices for purification of
the mind, body and spirit.
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Why Yoga?
What began as a spiritual path
of purification over 3,000 years ago has recently become a mainstream
phenomenon. Perhaps it is because of all the benefits yoga has
to offer. According to a study published in The Journal of the
American Medical Association in November 1998, a simple yoga
program significantly reduced pain and increased the hand strength
of patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. In another study conducted
by the Vivekananda Kendra Yoga Research Foundation in Bangalore,
India, yoga breathing was shown to vastly improve scores on tests
of spatial memory, a right-brain function. And finally, in a
stress-reduction program offered by a community health program
in Meriden, Conneticut, the combination of mindful-meditation
and yoga significantly improved physical and mental health, as
well as the self-esteem of inner-city patients. |
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(Nurse Practitioner, March 22, 1997)
Clinical studies have also shown that yoga (exercises, meditation,
and breathing) reduces stress, pain, heart disease, high blood
pressure, chemical dependency, depression, and anxiety. Yoga
increases body strength and flexibility, improves posture, muscle
tone, and circulation, and promotes greater mental clarity.
Yoga Terminology and Styles
There are four key words you
need to know relating to Yoga: asanas, pranayama, meditation,
and mantra. Asanas are the exercises or poses yoga is known for
and pranayama is the practice of breath control in conjunction
with these exercises. Meditation (mind focus) is also practiced
during yoga and may or may not include the use of a mantra (sound)
or chant.
The most popular style of yoga
is Hatha (physical) yoga. It is based on the principle that a
strong body is needed on the journey to enlightenment. This style
practices concentration, breathing, endurance, flexibility, stretching,
aligning, and strengthening the body, quieting the mind, and
awakening the spirit.
Another popular branch of yoga
is Astanga (a style of Hatha yoga). The focus here is on the
coordination of asanas (exercises) with breathing. Practice is
divided into 6 sets of postures and each set is done sequentially.
If you are looking for a gentle
style with extra personal attention to individual needs, them
Viniyoga is for you. Viniyoga uses flowing movements (vinyasa)
to strengthen, balance, and heal from an anatomic point of view.
This is great for beginners, seniors, chronic pain sufferers,
and for those recovering from injury or disease.
Practicing Yoga
Yoga is physically, emotionally,
and mentally challenging but you don't have to be flexible and
in shape before you start. Also keep in mind that yoga is not
goal-oriented. Accomplishing complicated poses is not the focus
at all. Rather the focus is on the process and on learning about
your self. Look for a beginner's class where you can learn the
basic postures and breathing exercises. Listen to your body and
go at your own pace. This is your journey, no one
else's.
Copyright (c) 1999 by Edel Jarboe.
All Rights Reserved. |
