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Yoga Is More Than Fancy Asanas

By Bridget
07 August 2016   |   6:13 pm
There’s so much more to yoga than the complex poses/asana’s. So the other day I was caught in traffic with a few of my friends talking about this "fit fam" life. "Abeg I cannot come and be bending like hot pasta, when I have not finished touching my toes" one of them said to me.…

There’s so much more to yoga than the complex poses/asana’s.

So the other day I was caught in traffic with a few of my friends talking about this “fit fam” life. “Abeg I cannot come and be bending like hot pasta, when I have not finished touching my toes” one of them said to me. Once again, I found myself having to set the record straight. Yoga Is More Than Fancy Asanas

When people hear the word “yoga”, most think of asanas (yoga poses). They think of head stands and splits and contorting the body in ways that leave most in awe. They quickly assume that yoga classes are about that bendy life, or that flexibility is a requirement for participation. When in actuality, yoga increases physical flexibility, and helps people lose weight and get in better physical condition.

However, there is so much more to yoga than fancy “asanas”. Asanas are just one of eight limbs of yoga; as laid out by the Indian sage Patanjali, author of “The Yoga Sutras”. So yes, they play a part in the yoga whole, but they are certainly not the whole.

Traditionally, as suggested in the “eight limbs of yoga”, known as Ashtanga yoga, the mind was the initial point of contact. The principles of social discipline (yamas) and self-discipline (niyamas) are the first two steps of eight in yoga practice. They prepare the mind by cultivating certain qualities and values. Asanas were done so that the body could be comfortable when sitting for pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation which are two other limbs of yoga

Once established, these principles become the fundamental guides for our approach to everything. The qualities and abilities of yama and niyama are a worthwhile pursuit and an advantage to anyone in any endeavor; be it work, pleasure or, more importantly, as a means of self-management and self-development. The yamas and niyamas are also suggestive of the appropriate attitude to asana, the third step of Ashtanga yoga.

As we become more skilled (through asana/poses) at movement or stillness of the body and its energy, the mind simultaneously undergoes a process of refinement. This process cultivates certain qualities and abilities. The mind learns to be focused, sharp, ordered and alert without being tense. Yoga Is More Than Fancy Asanas

Often times people wrongly assume meditation or yoga is a religion. Years of indoctrination on religious beliefs have closed minds to the opportunities and benefits of meditation and yoga. It’s important to realize that whatever your religious inclination is, it’s adaptable to your meditative practice.

Yoga is an all-in-one practice. It’s a workout (you burn a lot of calories!), a meditation practice and a spiritual practice all in one. For me, yoga fulfills all of my needs to connect to myself and others emotionally, spiritually, creatively, and physically.

As I continue to practice and learn more about yoga and the mind-body connection, I find ways in which I apply yoga to daily life; even when performing mundane tasks like walking down the street, writing emails or making a batch of cupcakes. When I approach these daily activities from a yogic sense, I am better at everything I do, because I am staying present in the moment, true to myself, open and flexible, which is what I constantly emphasize in my yoga classes. I also give each task my full attention, and approach life with an open heart. Yoga Is More Than Fancy Asanas

 

So, as little as reaching forward while breathing deeply or sitting still with eyes closed, breathing may seem, it is just as powerful as a deep back bend or head stand! The key is to honor your body and trust your process, loving the journey as you evolve.

For information on children’s yoga, fertility yoga, group classes, private and corporate practice & to book a yoga session, do send an email to info.yogawithstacey@gmail.com. Follow us for yoga tips and banter on Twitter @yogawithstacey and Instagram @yoga_with_stacey

Namasté.

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