5 things you should know about Yoga!

Yoga is getting popular in the whole world and with increasing popularity, it is somewhere losing its authenticity and the real meaning. My purpose of writing this is to let people know what is yoga all about.

1. Meaning of Yoga

The word 'Yoga' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'yuj' which means union. Union of mind, body, and Soul. Through yoga practices, it is possible for a human to make the union of these three things by controlling the breath. It is said to be the journey inwards by dropping all your desires and attachments of outward world.

2. Yoga is a journey inwards

Yoga is a journey towards yourself and knowing "WHO AM I?". The reason behind this is Indian mythology believes in the concept of rebirth which means you are reborn every time your body dies and your soul enters a new body. Also, every time your soul enters a new body you bring along past memories, likes dislikes, Karma etc into this life (Know about rebirth in my next blog). Keeping this in mind you need to find out who you really are or what is your origin? for that to know you need to follow the path of yoga and attain the union.

3. Yoga is not just about asanas

Yoga asanas are just 5% of yoga. Asanas were invented by saints who followed the path of yoga in order to keep their body fit for meditation. Most of the asanas are named after animals & nature. Saints imitated the animals & nature and practiced poses like Garudasana (The eagle pose), Vrkshasana(The tree pose), Gomukhasana( The cow pose) etc. These were merely practiced to stay fit or build strength rather than using it for weight loss or flexibility. Yoga is far beyond just asanas. (know more in upcoming blogs)

4. Yoga comes in many forms

Yoga was traditionally practiced to get enlightenment through meditation. In the later stages, it came up in various forms like Hatha yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Yin Yoga, Vinyasa flow etc. Although the purpose of all the forms is the same which is enlightenment, these forms can be practiced as per one's choice and level of understanding or comfort.

5. Yoga is not a competition

Everyone progresses along this path of yoga as per their capacity. Every body is different, everyone's perception is different towards yoga, everyone's karmas are different and hence everyone's practice will be different. Even though the goal is the same for everyone the road towards reaching that goal is different. One who understands this will never compare oneself to other being and concentrate on one's own practice only as one knows that his/her path is different from all others.

Thank you for reading!

Be Mindful

Yoga with Nikita