Yoga is a very personal practice. What I mean is – it’s not a challenge or a competition. It’s not about comparisons either. Nor it is about thousands of yoga photos floating on the internet. Although, the images do represent the hard work and persistence of a practitioner to move into a pose. I am not very good with words to explain the spiritual aspect, I can only try to word how I feel about my practice and list the benefits of yoga and how it effects the mind. (Continuing from: My Yoga Transformation blogpost)
As I have said before, Yoga is a revelation. No, you don’t start looking at the world with Einstein’s eyes, but instead, you start understanding yourself better. With every inhale and exhale, you start appreciating and respecting your body more.
I mostly practice Hatha yoga, often ending with restorative asanas and meditation. After overcoming the initial awkwardness of each pose, I started noticing the slow transition from an anxious or uncertain mental state to a more calmer one. Since I practice at home I do it at my own pace. Here’s the effects on yoga and how the practice has impacted me.
So how does Yoga impact me?
Learn to Breath
It’s only recently I have noticed that whenever I am in a tense situation, my body subconsciously responds with deep steady breathing, and I feel myself going through the same transition as I do when trying out a difficult pose. You learn to breathe through a situation that’s new or uncomfortable. Of course it doesn’t solve the problem but it gives my mind enough space to find a solution.
Yoga keeps your Ego in check
Practicing Yoga is also the best way to keep your ego in check. Each day is different. Sometimes Wall Handstands are a piece of cake, other days it’s a struggle. Same goes for Chakrasana, or Hanumansana. Every time I practice, I start from scratch. It’s a continuous learning process that trains you to be patient and determined at the same time. It’s alright if I can’t do an asana, that just means that my body is not ready … yet. But I will keep trying, if not today, someday I will ease into that pose.
I am still learning to listen to my body and know when to push forward and when to stop. Earlier I would push too hard, hurt my wrists and end up taking few days off. Now I don’t attempt to perfect the art, but try to soak in all the goodness according to my potential.
Feel emotionally connected to your body
Do you feel emotional in Savasana? The best and the most relaxing asana is Savasana. I am not sure if it has happened to you but sometimes after an hour long practice I feel extremely emotional during Savasana. I am hit by this powerful surge of emotions, sometimes resulting in waterworks too. In fact there’s even an article on why Savasana makes Yogis emotional
Strange how all the chemicals in the body reacts !! 🙂
Benefits of yoga are numerous. Each yoga pose has a meaning and a purpose. In one way or the other it impacts your body and internal organs, so don’t feel disheartened if you are not flexible or can’t do a certain asana. Just practice whatever you can, whenever you can. If you have a history of previous injuries, it is advisable to consult a physician before starting any routine. I found this article very helpful to sequence yoga asanas for Home Practice – Bringing your practice home
Yoga is a lifestyle choice. Healthy living is a lifestyle choice. The bigger picture is a result of all the little choices you had made.
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What a great way to get exercise! Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos and inspiring me!
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Yoga West Palm Beach
Weight loss, a strong and flexible body, glowing beautiful skin, peaceful mind, good health – whatever you may be looking for, yoga has it on offer. However, very often, yoga is only partially understood as being limited to asanas (yoga poses). As such, its benefits are only perceived to be at the body level and we fail to realize the immense benefits yoga offers in uniting the body, mind and breath. When you are in harmony, the journey through life is calmer, happier and more fulfilling.
This made for an enlightening read. Yoga affects on so many levels… wow… I think, I must try it seriously too.
yeah yeah you should. Thank you Shilpa 😀
Wow! Those are beautiful shots of you! Very flexible and the filters work well for this type of picture!
thank you so much Roshni 🙂
YES!I agree – to keep my ego in check … Yoga is the best… Very inspiring yoga post dear friend:-)
Thank you so much Eli. Glad you liked it 🙂
Reading your posts have made me give Yoga a serious shot. Thanks for sharing your journey, Raj.
Yeah try it for few months… it would also help you relax after your run.
Very inspiring and yoga helps at multiple levels besides mental and physical agility and tranquility
That is very true. The benefits of yoga is numerous. Thank you so much.
Amazing fitness levels and wonderful yoga postures!
Thank You so much Damyanti 🙂
You are the yoga queen. Loved your pictures. You have inspired me to get back into yoga. Savasana is my favourite asana too.
Thank you so much Suzy … savasana is absolutely relaxing 🙂
Your passion for yoga is amazing. It is wonderful how you achieve so much practising from home. And hey the prismified pics simply look fab! 😀 I wonder how long it took you to learn the wall handstand?
It took me around a year to build enough core and shoulder strength to do wall handstand. Even now it's hour and miss sometimes 🙂 thank you so much 🙂
I am in awe. You are motivating me, Rajlakshmi, to get back at the practice:)
Thank you so much Vishal 🙂
Raj, I am mesmerized by your graphics. Gorgeous effects. Yes, yoga is a lifestyle and keeps one healthy and grounded. Lovely post.
Thank you so much Vidya. Glad you liked them 🙂
Loved how you connected this – yoga and how it transforms us. Shavasana makes me so calm that I wonder how I don't feel that any other time of the day.
Though I did not like the Prisma filters, yours are a good pick and look better that most people have been sharing.
True savasana is extremely relaxing… Sometimes sorry relaxing that I fear I would go to sleep on the mat. Thank you.
The pictures are amazing. Thanks for sharing how you feel about yoga. I really need to give it a try once more. I am quite hung up on the gym and weights however all of that does little for peace of mind or for warding off anxiety that always lurks around the corner for all kinds of small and big issues. I need to get back to yoga.
That's great Tulika … I do yoga along with other cardio and core workouts …keeps things interesting 🙂
I admire you for being so sincere with Yoga. I wish I could do the same. But as you know, I just can't concentrate. I even left the yoga classes during pregnancy midway. But I have heard about the benefits of Yoga and I know it really helps.
I can totally understand how busy you are right now juggling so many roles. I really hope that you get a chance to start your practice soon. Hugs and lots of love to you Naba