Yoga, unlike any other form of exercise, asks its participants to engage in a mind-body experience. This is accomplished by focusing on Pranayama, the breath and life force of Yoga. We are asked to conciously observe each breath; when we inhale (breath inward) and when we exhale (breath outward).
The challenge therein is our ability to master this unique breath because the poses we attempt to put our bodies in will test the limits of our flexibility, strength and attitude about ourselves. Focusing on the breath drives us and becomes our sole focus. Yoga can therefore become empowering; a personal challenge that can build up our outer strength and inner spirit. With each breath, affirm positive thoughts to and about yourself. Realize the important role you have on this Earth. Combined with a regular cardio routine or not, Yoga can reshape the image we have about our bodies.
Not only will you have a better sense of your physical well being, but feelings of stability, clarity and increased sense of concentration will soon emerge. In fact, by mastering the Pranayama alone, greater expansion in the lungs will lead to better use of oxygen and thus more energy is gained with each and every breath.
It's important to recognize that as individuals, we all have different levels of strength and flexibility. Therefore, it would be impossible to benchmark and unnecessary to compare ourselves to others. Yoga will be unique to each person that practices it. This is great news! It is not competitive or judgmental. How many physical activities can you think of that allow you to go as far as you want to go, on your time, on your schedule? Even marathon runners who have to be personally tied to their mileage times and goals still 'compete' against others on race day. They all train to beat the time they ran before.
But in Yoga, you don't have to feel compelled to stretch further than your neighbor or bend lower than your yoga instructor. In fact, as a progressive practice, your body will dictate which days will be more or less challenging. On some days a particular posture will be more difficult while another is seamless. And that is okay.
Practicing Yoga on a regular basis allows for you to benefit in the long term. For example, as a regular yogi, your ability to conciously recognize what your body is "telling" you will become easier. By mastering the breath, imagine the day when you can control your body's response to stressful situations. Learning which poses benefit the lower back to which poses help speed up digestion can help you when the need arises. Our ability to massage the inner organs through various poses and enlongate the spine will create an increased flow of blood throughout the body. During regular practice, we're able to make better use of the oxygen in our blood simply because it moves more freely from our hearts to our limbs. All in all, regular practice increases the chances of your body being better suited to handle stress, respond to movements and even ward off illness.
Enjoy the journey that is the practice of Yoga.
By Kristen Grace, ElysiumYoga.com
