For those wounded by civilization, yoga is the most healing salve.
-T. Guillemets
Yoga is an art, a philosophy, and even a science. However, Yoga is not religion, yet it has the strong possibility to move you spiritually. Yoga harmonizes the mind and body which allows for a more spiritual experience. Although Yoga can provide astounding health benefits, it is much more than a system of physical activity or exercise for health. History explains that Yoga is an ancient path to spiritual growth, and originated out of India. The practice and goal of yoga dates back to the Upanishads (Hindu scriptures that constitute the core teaching of Vedanta or knowledge), written between 1000-5000 BC. Yoga creates an interconnectedness between mind, body, and spirit.
Mental benefits of Yoga provide tools to help you relax and handle stressful situations more effectively and without conflict. Yoga teaches you how to quiet the mind to initiate movement of energy throughout the body. This encourages positive thoughts, self-awareness and self-acceptance. Yoga has the ability, with your help of course, to assist the mind in being present in the moment and to experience that moment fully.
Spiritual benefits of Yoga builds awareness of your body, your feelings and emotions. It creates awareness of the world around you, your needs and the needs of others. Yoga has the ability to create compassion, and patience with yourself and others. It provides the setting and personal space to connect with your divine (specific divine has no baring, this is a personal experience). Spiritually, yoga helps you live the concept of “oneness” with all living creatures. The benefits of yoga are endless and will effect not only your personal practice but your personal life.
Physical benefits of Yoga include flexibility, strong bones, and lubrication of joints, ligament and tendons. Yoga improves respiration, energy, and vitality. Yoga provides balance to maintain metabolism and promotes cardiovascular and circulatory health. Yoga helps to relieve pain, improve athletic performance or simply age gracefully.
Yoga positively effects all major systems of the body:
Respiratory System,Cardiovascular System, Endocrine System, Muscular System, Immune System, Digestive System, Reproductive System, Urinary System, Skeletal System, Nervous System, Lymphatic System
