A brief summary:
1. an ancient practice to implement union between the body, mind and spirit, and
2. the union of the individual self and the universal consciousness.
Yoga means Union. Union with what?
Yoga is an ancient and well developed method to connecting with Source, God, Creator, the Oneness that we are all apart of and all is made up of.
History 🐚
The word yoga was first found to be documented in the ancient sacred text, the Rig Veda; the Vedas are a set of 4 ancient and sacred texts, written in Sanskrit, from over 5000 years ago, in Northern India.
Tools🐚
The asanas or poses of yoga are tools to calm the body and focus the thoughts. Another yogic tool, are breathing techniques, called Pranayama. The practice of Pranayama is used to improve the connection and bodily functions stimulating circulation of oxygen throughout the body. Mudras, are symbolic and sacred hand positions used with Yoga/meditation to control the life force energy, prana. These tools allow the body to calm, connect and revitalize with the energy of our very life force.
Methods🐚
There are many methods of yoga. These various methods are found: on websites; in wonderful schools in person or online; in ashrams; books from the newest to ancient texts, such as: the Rig Veda, Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali – the Eight Limbs of Yoga, The Living Gita, The Bhagavad Gita and more recent the Autobiography of a Yogi. The study of yoga and it’s practice is an extensive experience and avenue for spiritual development and growth. The knowledge obtained from the Yoga philosophies, assists with the calming and increased health of emotions, mental function, providing clarity and understanding, which facilitates the healing process of non bodily wounds. Yoga is known to open pathways in the physical body, through the subtle bodies; by clearing emotional, mental and spiritual blocks, to include the 7 main chakras and numerous smaller chakras. Clearing and opening of the chakras allows prana, the life force energy to flow unimpeded.
Physical Benefits🐚
On a purely physical basis, yoga, keeps the circulation system functioning, allowing it to do it’s job of feeding the cells of the body, oxygen and nutrients. Yoga poses called asanas, help to keep the joints limber and strengthens the muscular skeletal system, while improving the digestion and elimination systems which includes the lymphatic system.
Summary🐚
Yoga promotes calmness, reduces stress and improves sleep, whether you are doing asanas or simply, meditating, tuning inwards to connect with and recharge. Yoga is practiced to release from physical, emotional, mental and spiritual suffering. Yoga is used to alter and shift one’s consciousness on their personal spiritual path to enlightenment. To know, We are one with the Oneness. 🐚🐚🐚