Some people unfortunately still have the following picture to the goal of yoga: To rotate your body in all sorts of impossible positions, or sit in rigid postures, or just look good in a nice yoga suit…
Let's start again. The word yoga comes from Sanskrit and means "to join" or "balance". Yoga originated over 4,000 years ago in India. It was a way to achieve a deeper state of meditation. Since 4,000 years is has not really changed much, as this is still the core of yoga.
Yoga teaches us to bring mind and body in balance. Yoga is about awareness, see and feel who we really are, our whole being, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Asanas or exercises give strength and energy and provide a great feeling of relaxation. The exercises are a way to be able to concentrate better and to come to a deeper meditation. In our hectic 21st century yoga is a good way to find peace and relaxation. Therefore it is not a surprise that yoga has become so popular.
Breathing is an important part in the yoga practice. The reason for this is simple. Breathing is both a spiritual and a physical process. Many people breathe wrong, for instance due to stress. This leads to a troubled breathing. A regular breathing ensures that sufficient oxygen and other nutrients are carried by the blood. So the brains can function optimally. Who breathes quietly and regularly feel better than someone who has a superficial and fast breath.
Relaxation is an essential part of yoga. That is why every yoga session starts with a few minutes of relaxation in a quiet position. This brings awareness. The exercises that require a little more effort can best be followed by a brief moment of rest.
There are many different forms of yoga. Here are some well known forms: Ashtanga Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Business Yoga, Virtues Yoga, Dru Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Kids Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Yin Yoga, and many others.
Which one is suitable for you, is to be decided by yourself. At almost all yoga schools there is a possibility to follow trial lessons. So you can find out whether the yoga teacher and form of yoga suits you.
The kind of yoga is actually not the most important thing. The most important thing is that you just do it!
Those who practice yoga, whatever form, promotes changes in their overall human being. It ensures that the mind is more in balance and that less emotional pressure is experienced. Yoga is good for everyone. For children, adolescents, pregnant women, adults and the elderly. Anyone can do it. All over the world. And why? Just because yoga works!
