Embracing Yoga
Don't be put off by pictures of people with their feet behind their ears! Yoga is for everyone and is a wonderful way to keep mind-body-spirit in top shape.
Yoga simply means to yoke or connect, and it`s not a religion but a science. It can take us from a limited space to an infinite one, keep us grounded in the knowledge that we are spiritual beings having a human experience and not vice versa.
Types of Yoga
Yoga originated in India over 40,000 years ago and has evolved into many different forms throughout the world. Raj Yoga studies the psychic centres. Laya and Mantra Yoga use sound, breath, mantra and rhythm to bring energy through the body. Tantric Yoga is a psychic discipline which itself has several forms - some of them with links to sorcery.
The Diamond of Yoga
Kundalini Yoga is known as the diamond of yoga’s because it uses elements from all other forms of yoga. This powerful practice awakens the sleeping serpent of energy that lies dormant at the base of the spine. This energy has been recognised by many different cultures throughout history, and with the right kind of meditation and breath, it travels up the Chakras into the crown of the head, bringing awareness and enlightenment.
Making Yoga Your Own
It isn`t important to know everything about yoga or understand the pantheon of theory around it - the only thing that matters is to start a practice on a level that is comfortable for you. This could mean ten minutes of gentle postures and stretching, whilst paying attention to the breath and thoughts. More often than not, you will want to stay longer and explore more! Start small, attend a local class or even watch an instructional video to get familiar with some basic poses, then advance your practice from there. But remember, yoga isn`t a race, and it`s not about achieving something - it`s about being increasing your quality of life in this present moment.
How Yoga Can Help You
Yoga helps to quieten the mind and release stress and tension. Stress can build up as physical ailments in your body and create tense muscles, and even affect how we feel in every day life and our sleep. Although Yoga is a form of exercise, it is also a type of meditation that helps you to relax and revive.
