By Sandra R. Infinger
Does modern yoga have any similarity to its root? It is argued among scholars that the earliest signs of yoga were evidenced in the stone seals discovered at Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300-1700 B.C.E.) sites in Pakistan. Figures were depicted in positions resembling a common yoga or meditation pose. The Buddhist texts are probably the earliest texts describing meditation techniques. They describe meditative practices and states which had existed before the Buddha, as well as those which were first developed within Buddhism. In Hindu literature, ‘yoga’ refers to the control of the senses and the cessation of mental activity leading to a supreme state, a spiritual discipline, a meditation.
System for the Physical Body
Hatha Yoga is a particular system that focuses on the purification of the physical body leading to the purification of the mind and vital energy. This Yoga system marks the development of full-body postures now in popular usage. In its many modern variations, Hatha Yoga is the style many people associate with today’s word ‘Yoga’.
Pretzels
Most people think of yoga as twisting one’s body into pretzel form. The true definition of yoga is the union of one’s mind, body, and spirit. The coming together of the three in one accord makes it possible for the twisting of the body into pretzel form. It would be impossible to start in pretzel form unless, of course, you are a contortionist. So, let’s start with the first principle.
Positive Thinking and Meditation
According to history, Yoga was first referenced as a form of meditation. Meditation has been defined as the self-regulation of attention, in the service of self-inquiry, in the here and now. The techniques encompass various disciplines that may emphasize goals, such as a higher state of consciousness, greater focus, creativity, or self-awareness, or simply a more relaxed and peaceful frame of mind.
Proper Relaxation
One of the definitions of relaxation is ‘the freedom from activity, which, for some people in today’s world who are trying to balance home, family, and work, is the equivalence to sleep. Another definition of relaxation is a refreshing tranquility and an absence of tension or worry. You should be able to easily reach that level of relaxation if you start with the first principle: Positive Thinking and Meditation.
Proper Exercise
Yoga is for you if you cringe when the word exercise is mentioned. Modern yoga involves creating a balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility through poses and postures. In simpler terms: strengthening through stretching. The more you practice, the more flexible you become and the more body strength you develop.
Proper Breathing
We all know that breathing is a natural reflexive action. Most of us go about our daily routine without being mindful of our breathing. Yet the average person is unaware of the proper way to breathe. We come into the world as good breathers, inhaling and exhaling from our abdomens. Over time, we unlearn this process due to adverse external influences such as stress. Through modern yoga, you will relearn that slow, deep breathing allows the abdomen to expand, bringing into the lungs the amount of oxygen needed to nourish all body cells. It also slows the heart rate, relaxes muscles, and calms the mind.
Proper Diet
Along with breathing, eating is another reflexive action. And, like breathing, over time, we begin to develop an improper means of mollifying our hunger pangs by indulging in junk foods and fast foods. An improper diet has many adverse effects on the human body. Overall, it’s auto-intoxication, which means self-poisoning. All of the body organs are affected by this auto-intoxication. A proper diet does not mean giving up everything that tastes good. Also, the average person will eat all of what’s in front of them rather than eat until they are full.
Conditioning
It’s more a habit than a means to suppress their hunger. They continue to eat even after they are no longer hungry. An improper diet is learned. Therefore, you need to unlearn it. Take time to look at how and what you eat. Then slowly begin to give up those bad habits. I don’t recommend anyone going on a crash diet. That, too, is harmful to the body. It took time for you to learn your bad eating habits; it will take time to unlearn them.
It’s Not That Complicated
When you consider the five basic principles of modern yoga, it should be evident to you that gaining the whole person’s total balance is necessary for every human’s well-being. A beginner’s yoga practice should start you off slowly, as should any new exercise program. Yoga has postures and breathing techniques for almost all diseases, health disorders, allergies, pains, etc. Many simple exercises will have a qualitative influence on whatever ails you.
Get the Whole Family Involved
Modern yoga is for everyone of all ages. I’ve had depression most of my life. The depression has caused other illnesses, as well. Over the years, I struggled through it all, mostly for the sake of my dogs. I eventually found an alternative means of healing. I’m no longer on medications. So, I started a website about alternative healing methods. It’s not just about you; it’s about You and Yours. Your surroundings affect your health, and in turn, your surroundings are affected by your health.
https://aurawellnesscenter.com/store/
Do you want to become a mindfulness meditation teacher?
Click here to see our online Yoga Nidra teacher training course.
Are you an experienced teacher looking for YACEP credits or continuing education?
Subscribe to Our Newsletter for Special Discounts and New Products
Related Resources:
by Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Matthews
52 Essential Principles of Yoga Philosophy to Deepen your Practice
by Rina Jakubowicz.
A Relaxing Way to De-stress, Re-energize, and Find Balance
by: Gail Boorstein Grossman.
YOGA: THE PATH TO HOLISTIC HEALTH
by B.K.S. Iyengar
TEACHING YOGA: Essential Foundations and Techniques
By Mark Stephens
To see our selection of Yoga teacher training and continuing education courses, please visit the following link.
This is very true, I love it! Yoga practice is a lot of benefits into the mind in body with the help of these 5 Basic Principles makes it even better. Thank you!