A Brief Guide to Yoga
Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India as a part of Hinduism and has spread to Buddhism, Jainism, and mainstream America. It is a practice through which mind body connection is meant to be achieved through breathing as well as a series of poses and stretches. Yoga can be a very beneficial form of exercise. Not only does it promote strength and flexibility but it also helps to reduce every day stress.
Because of the connection that Yoga has to Eastern religion it is relegated as an immoral religious practice by some fundamentalist Christians. However, many Christians have adapted Yoga into their everyday life as they have adapted meditation and do not consider it to be a part of their religious practice at all. It is very possible to take on yoga as a secular or religious practice. It is all a matter of personal beliefs.
Basics of Yoga
Yoga is basically a form of exercise that consists of a variety of poses that are referred to as asanas. The asanas in yoga all have names and are generally derived from various religious stories that are a part of the many Eastern religions associated with yoga.
Yoga is often practiced in large groups as a part of an exercise class provided by a local gym or through a community activity workshop. There are very few exercise tools necessary for yoga and simple yoga can be done with no tools. The most common tools that a beginner will need for yoga practice include a yoga mat and blocks. The yoga mat is used to provide traction; yoga practitioners are discouraged from wearing shoes or socks. The blocks are used to help beginners stretch into asanas that they might otherwise be unable to reach. Given time the increased flexibility that develops from regular practice will discount the necessity of the blocks.
Basic Yoga Asanas
There are a few basic asanas that can be performed at home or even work. These asanas are very common and are great for beginners. Here are a few:
Bhujangasana or Snake Pose
- Lie flat on your stomach and allow your forehead to rest on the mat. Place your hands palm down on each side of your chest.
- While supporting your body with your hands and arms imagine that your forehead is being pulled up to the sky by some invisible force, follow this and allow your torso to gently rise from the ground.
- Continue to gently raise each part of your upper body starting at your neck as though you are trying to bend backwards and look at your toes. Hold your breath and this position for twenty seconds then gently release the breath while performing steps one and two in the reverse order (where you end up back in your starting position).
Shavasana or Corpse Pose
This pose is primarily for relaxation is typically used at the end of a yoga practice session. It involves lying flat on your back with your arms and legs stretched completely out. You should close your eyes and practice controlled meditative breathing for ten minutes while in this position. Completely clear your mind and remain weightless.