What is Yoga?
Definition
Wikipedia defines yoga as:
Yoga refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India.
The Sanskrit word yoga has many meanings, and is derived from the Sanskrit root “yuj”, meaning “to control”, “to yoke” or “to unite.” Translations include “joining”, “uniting”, “union”, “conjunction”, and “means”. An alternate root from which the word yoga may be derived is “yujir samadhau”, which means “contemplation” or “absorption.”This translation fits better with the dualist Raja Yoga because it is through contemplation that discrimination between prakrti (nature) and purusha (pure consciousness) occurs.
How can Yoga help me?
Meditation, a yogi's tool to find inner peace!!
Yoga helps people in every way: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Physically, a steady practice of yoga will give a variety of effects such as stimulating, calming the nervous system, soothing troubling thoughts, opening energetic pathways, promoting better sleep, health and digestion. Yoga gives vitality, helps cleanse a body, develops muscle strength, and promotes flexibility. The organs are awakened and through breathwork the lungs are strengthened.
Emotionally yoga can release emotions held onto over time, healing and cleansing the emotional body. Muscles relax and create space within helping a person feel better on a day to day basis.
Mentally, yoga, through meditation, can build stamina, focus and concentration. Focusing the attention inward, a person can slow and still the constantly moving mind.
Spiritually yoga opens up energetic pathways and chakras in a person’s body. Yoga helps a person feel the connection to the divine.