As yoga grows in popularity, so do the images of people who are fit, flexible and good looking doing yoga. Yoga can keep you physically fit, but it can also help mentally and emotionally. It’s true — yoga can give you courage and a sense of inner peace!
Yoga as Exercise
Both yoga practitioners and people who have never tried yoga agree that doing asanas on a regular basis will increase fitness, including endurance, strength and flexibility. The benefits of yoga aren’t as obvious on a mental and emotional level. With the popularity of yoga, sometimes the traditional perspective is lost, so not all practitioners have experienced the non-physical benefits of yoga.
The Fundamental Goal of Yoga
In a traditional practice, the goal of yoga is to know and understand oneself. The physical movements of Hatha Yoga are merely a preparation for the body to endure long periods of meditation. When practised in the classical manner, yoga asanas are meditative in nature; the mind is still while the body is active.
Finding Courage
How does this stretching and holding funny poses give courage and inner peace? It’s quite simple, actually. We move our body in unusual ways. As we prepare for each asana, doubt or fear may arise. Sometimes this negative feeling is so subtle, it’s not noticeable; other times, it’s blatant — like the fear of falling in Sirasana (headstand) or when you lift your hands during Sarvangasana (shoulderstand) to touch your thighs.
By mastering difficult asanas, you gain a sense of achievement and courage. Just as a runner’s high extends throughout the day, so do these positive feelings that began during asana practice continue with the practitioner. This heightened sense of confidence and courage leads us to take chances we wouldn’t normally take.
Is Finding Inner Peace a Stretch?
Now that we’ve found courage and confidence, is it a stretch to seek inner peace and contentment through yoga? It isn’t, if we practise our yoga asanas in a meditative state. Think of a time when you practised yoga and felt completely in tune with yourself, relaxed and rejuvenated. Now think of a time when you were distracted and frustrated with yourself. How did that feel?
The difference is your mind. When you experience a flurry of worries about stressful situations and things that need to get done, the tone of the thoughts is usually negative. Meditation helps you to reduce negativity and increase positive energy. Slowly, a sense of calm and peace seeps in, and you feel rejuvenated. This rejuvenation happens not only in your mind but also in the body!
Reap the Yogic Benefits
Now that you know about the wonderful benefits of yoga, go practice! By all means, practise the way you normally do — even challenge yourself with new asanas or more difficult variations once in a while. But from time to time, you can use a routine of basic asanas to your advantage to quiet down your mind and enter into a calming, meditative state.
Repeat OM and find your inner peace!