Yoga for beginners. Transformation of Body and Soul

Yoga as a way of life

Yoga is one of the most popular types of physical activity around the world. However, it should be remembered that yoga is not just a workout and a fashion statement, but a certain philosophy, a source of spirituality and a way of life. The main task of yoga is to improve the health of the soul and body, which go in parallel and in harmony.

It is great that now yoga practices are not perceived only as a thing for spiritually enlightened “strange” people. Yoga, as a set of physical exercises, has confidently entered the fitness industry. And many people liked it as an alternative to the gym, because strengthening the muscles with the help of yoga is gentle, but also effective.

But do not forget that initially, yoga is a whole spiritual teaching, a way of life. And what we meet in fitness gyms, this is only a small part of this direction.

When a person begins to adopt a yogic lifestyle, his worldview and daily habits change dramatically, but at the same time these changes occur very gently. When deciding to practice yoga as a lifestyle, you should understand that the changes will be complex and can completely change the usual course of things.

What is the philosophy of yoga?

Yoga first of all teaches you to live consciously, to see causes and effects, to show common sense in everything (to act according to your experience, teachings and experience of teachers),  it eliminates automatism.

The efficiency of life is determined by energy. We transfer this energy from life to life, which means that we are born with a certain reserve. You can spend it on thousands of actions and things, direct it to the implementation of projects or the satisfaction of worldly desires, or divert attention from all external things and direct energy to self-development, increasing its potential.

In addition to accumulating energy, it is important to learn how to control it and avoid unnecessary spending. In modern society, the entire infrastructure is set up to download as much vital energy from people as possible. To prevent this from happening, take responsibility for your life and start making an effort.

A day in yoga lifestyle

It is considered that:

From 4 to 10 is the time of the mode of goodness. At this time, there is an awakening, it is favorable for prayer, study of the scriptures, meditation, yoga.

From 10 am to 22 pm is the time of the influence of the mode of passion. At this time, there is an active activity.

From 22 to 4 am — the time of influence of the mode of ignorance. This is the time of sleep-immersion in self-forgetfulness.

Balancing activities with the rhythms of nature, a person harmoniously performs their tasks during the day. Failure to comply with the regime leads to stress, exhaustion and, as a result, illness.

People used to consider fatigue, drowsiness, apathy and depression the norm of life and came up with a variety of means to restore activity, from coffee and tea, sweets to pills and strong drugs. But is it worth the effort, when there is a natural and free way-compliance with the daily routine, familiar from a long time ago?

Why and how to start practicing yoga

Yoga practices are the choice for those who want to put both the body and the mind in order. Regardless of age and weight, exercises (asanas) improve physical fitness and give peace of mind, harmony, and bring the quality of life to a new level.

It is not difficult to start practicing yoga.

Most techniques allow you to start yoga with any level of physical fitness.

Many people recommend that you first study all types of yoga, and then, based on the information, make a conclusion that suits you.

I would recommend that those who are not familiar with yoga at all, start with any video you like on YouTube or go to any yoga class available at your fitness club. Why complicate it? Start with the simplest thing available.

Turn on the video lesson and repeat after the instructor right in your pajamas. And then look at the feelings, if you want to improve, then you will feel in which direction you want to do it.

You will understand exactly what you are interested in and want to work on, whether you need a special suit and mat or you are quite satisfied with classes without any equipment.

To be honest, when I first started studying yoga, I was afraid of all the strange names and varieties. I just wanted to start practicing, but I didn’t understand where to go and what I would have to do there.

Many people generally think that until they have a special yoga mat, it is simply impossible to start practicing. But it takes months, or even years, for some people to just buy this mat.

Types of yoga

If you have already tried to practice yoga on your own and realized that you are interested in it, then you can delve into the theory and understand what types of practices exist.

Ashtanga.

An energetic practice that will not let you relax. One session consists of several poses with a duration of five breathing cycles. Between them, a “greeting to the sun” is necessarily made.

Mysore.

The safest variety. The average duration is 3 hours, but you can come and go whenever you want, take breaks, maintain your own pace, and not the pace of the instructor. The demonstrated asanas can be repeated as long as required.

Vinyasa flow.

Only business, no unnecessary information about the muscle groups that work, the benefits, the effect, the designations of asanas. This is a complete immersion in the inner world, as well as a high intensity of exercises.

Bikras.

This species was created in the 70s of the last century. It consists of exactly 26 asanas that strengthen the muscles, develop stretching of the body, and perform compression of internal organs. In order to get rid of toxins, the air in the room is heated (sauna effect). Therefore, you will have to sweat well.

Kundalini.

The basis of this knowledge is to work with the spine, restore it, and support it. Traditional asanas are supplemented with breathing practices, meditation.

Hatha.

No meditations, mantras, breathing techniques, only physical activity through asanas.

Yin.

A great option for those people who lead a sedentary lifestyle or do not move much. Yin variety relieves tightness, stiffness in the muscles, increases flexibility, elasticity. The duration of one asana can be up to 10 minutes. Thanks to meditation, this type is often chosen by athletes before serious competitions, athletes.

Jivamukti.

Includes reading, listening to special musical compositions, doing vinyasa poses, singing. This direction is considered a separate philosophy, which allows you to get rid of excess.

All types are aimed at relaxation, getting rid of stress, gaining knowledge, skills for understanding your body. But some focus on stretching, others-on posture and back health, strength exercises.

It is necessary to first understand why to start practicing yoga, in order to choose a specific type, to fully focus on it.

All modern trends, one way or another, are based on the 4 oldest varieties of Indian practices:

    • Hatha yoga. The goals of the classes are achieved through special breathing exercises (pranayam) and performing asanas (static poses);
    • Raja Yoga (Janyana). The technique focuses on meditations and exercises for the mind;
    • Bhakti yoga. All actions are aimed at achieving enlightenment;
    • Karma yoga. Practice involves performing any exercises aimlessly and selflessly.

Conclusion

Yoga is the path of the soul and body. There is no right or wrong choice here. Here is your mental and physical comfort.

Do not rush to put yourself in a strict framework, start with a few actions, but follow them regularly, gradually they will become a useful habit.

Do not blame yourself if you could not observe the regularity, the main thing is not to stop, and the result will manifest itself. But do not be fooled by excuses that you are hindered by work or family, there are thousands of opportunities in the world, it is only necessary to go out of the usual framework.

A healthy lifestyle helps to cope with all things faster and better. Gradually, you realize that it is impossible to separate where the practice is and where it is not. Every event, every moment will be filled with meaning and opportunities for self-improvement.

Yoga teaches you to think, move, and breathe effectively. Yoga classes allow people to better understand the processes taking place in the world, to see personal goals more clearly, to develop willpower and sharpness of mind.

They give you the opportunity to look deep into yourself, to understand your needs, to learn self-diagnosis, to acquire inner happiness and positive emotions that you want to share with others.