Yoga has indeed come a long way today. Having known to begin more than 5000 years ago in India, it is still doing well as one of the most powerful forms of exercise and meditation today. No wonder why celebrities like Sting, Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Gisele Bundchen and many more have adopted yoga as their mantra to blissful fitness.
But there indeed is a certain mist that surrounds this holistic discipline. People have even gone as far as calling it something in the occult tradition probably because it draws its strength from the meditative practice of the orient. But, on the other hand there is flourishing market for Yoga products and organic accessories. Well, we do know what this discipline actually is, and we also know that it wouldn’t have been doing so well if it would be anything but beneficial.
Yoga – Then and Now
Having begun with the yogis aeons ago, even if the basic essence of Yoga has stayed the same, it has been flexible enough to take in its stride the changing times and the changing needs of the human body.
Then – The yogis practiced it as an entire discipline of life, and not something that could get them a six-pack ab. It was simply a way of living.
Way back then, and even now, for people who learn this art in all its purity there are 8 aspects
1. Yama or the Principals
2. Niyama or the Spiritual Observance/Self-Discipline
3. Aasana or the Positions/Postures
4. Pranayama or the Breathing
5. Pratyahara or the Withdrawing of the Senses
6. Dharana or the Concentration on an Object
7. Dhyan or Meditation
8. Samadhi or Salavation
Now – It seems like a best way to physical fitness. Yoga studios, Yoga classes, Hot Yoga, Power Yoga, and a whole array of Yoga brands have taken over the traditional form. We also have a lot of aids in the form of instructors and accessories. And, salvation is definitely not the aim. There’s no reason why anyone would find it tangent today.
Are the New Trends in Yoga Bad?
We don’t think so. It isn’t that bad, after all. It is rather for the good. Since life has changed so much in these 5000 years, may it be the East or the West, Yoga has, in some way or the other tried to reach people, and address their day to day health issues. And, that is indeed a good thing for us.
Some Modern Additions to Yoga
While the ancient Yoga may have warranted an austere life, today, it is much easier than that. The health market offers an array of merchandise that makes your journey with Yoga a lot easier. Yoga mats, Yoga towels and blocks, meditation candles, therapeutic balls, organic meditation cushions and straps and much more is at your disposal now.
These additions definitely give a new definition to this ancient art. And, it is about time you tried it if you still haven’t.
What Yoga Can Do for You Today
Today, for people as common as us, even if Yoga means just the aasanas, 30 minutes of its practices is still worth more than hours of workout in the most advanced gyms. And light meditation surely forms a part of any yogic regime today.
But why is it believed to be so beneficial?
Because…
• It has the ability to heal you physically, mentally and emotionally.
• Its exercises have a strengthening effect on your muscles, core strength, stamina as well as flexibility just through stretching and coordinated patterns of breathing.
• It helps bring down the stress levels; it is almost a therapy for that matter.
• It helps improve concentration by revitalizing the nervous system
• Just the breathing and the aasanas can alleviate stress, anxiety, mood swings, depression, and even help in remedying mental and sleep disorders (some things that ail us so often now).
• Basic yogic exercises can even help regulate blood pressure and rejuvenate the body.
• Gives an overall gratified and calm feeling.
• The best part – you don’t need special diets to do this (a big solace in itself).
The yogic accessories make it a pleasant and feasible activity that doesn’t scare off the novices.
Thinking of exploring Yoga? Never a bad idea.
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