It's Not All About the Tush
One of my students came to me with a request: help me get a "Yoga Butt."
I said, "oh, my, it's not all about the butt!"
Much More than Physical
And while Yoga can definitely support you physically, even enhance your physical appearance in becoming fitter, the practice of yoga is much more than physical exercises.
Most of us who have practiced Yoga, even one time, know that we move beyond the body into mental, emotional, and spiritual connections in some subtle way pretty quickly. And, there's a reason.
Ancient Practice of Unity
The ancient practice of yoga is a set of physical, mental, and spiritual practices that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. The word "yoga" means to unite or to join, and the practice is designed to unite the mind, body, and spirit.
Holistic and Healing Model
The ancient practice of yoga is a holistic practice that affects the many layers of the human system in a healing model called the pancamaya model. Layers include physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual layers that interact to influence one another.
Breathing and prana, or life force, acts to connect the layers and bring a sense of internal and external unity.
Breathing, Meditation, and Lifestyle Principles
The most well-known aspect of yoga in the Western world is the physical postures, or asanas, which are practiced to improve flexibility, strength, and balance.
However, the practice of yoga is much more than physical exercises. One of the key texts in yoga philosophy, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, outlines the eight limbs of yoga, which include lifestyle practices, pranayama, and levels of meditation.
Representing the Sun and Moon
The ha represents the sun, which symbolizes active, masculine, and external energy, while the tha represents the moon, which symbolizes receptive, feminine, and internal energy. Through the practice of Yoga, those energies unite and support our inner unity and sense of wholeness and integration.
Many Styles One Goal
There are several different types of yoga, including Hatha, Ashtanga, Kundalini, and Bikram, each with its own unique style and focus.
Despite the differences in styles, all forms of yoga share the goal of attaining a focused, calm, and attentive mind. Increasing self-awareness are also benefits along with attaining self-sufficiency and freedom.
Your True Nature Shines
Wisdom is an integral part of the philosophy and practice of yoga. In yoga, wisdom refers to a deep understanding of the true nature of Self.
It is believed that through the practice of yoga, one can cultivate wisdom and gain insights into the nature of the Self and our connection to the universe. We find ourselves in the seat of the soul, rather than the tush!