“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self”
– The Bhagavad Gita
Yoga can be practiced by anyone; people of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities can practice yoga, and adapt it to suit their individual needs. People practice yoga for many different reasons; such as wanting to improve their health and well-being, or to seek relief for a specific physical condition. Often people turn to yoga to help with self-managing stress and coping with the challenges of daily life.
Yoga originated in India many years ago, and the word yoga comes from the ancient language of Sanskrit and means “union”. When we practice yoga we use a variety of physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation to help connect the breath with the mind and the body. This connection encourages a sense of awareness of our selves living in the present moment. Living in the present helps to foster a sense of calm, relaxation and well-being.
Although the physical postures help mobilise, strengthen and flex the body, the ultimate goal of yoga is not to bend your body into what can sometimes look like impossible shapes, but to develop self awareness, breath awareness and a sense of calm and relaxation.
What are the benefits of yoga?
Practicing yoga can make you stronger, more mobile and more flexible. Yoga also helps to reduce the physical effects of stress by lowering the levels of the stress hormones, cortisol and adrenalin, in the body. The physical postures combined with taking longer slower breaths can result in lower blood pressure, improved digestion and improvement in sleep quality. Yoga can promote a sense of general well-being which in turn can lessen anxiety and depression.