BAMLife Issue 2 | Page 6

Once you find yoga you can never turn your back on it …
Click here to read the top guide to different types of yoga
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So what is yoga ?

Once you find yoga you can never turn your back on it …

There is a wide variety of different teachings , schools and ideas in yoga with vast content . Yoga is an umbrella of different techniques which leads to peace in body and mind , freeing yourself from restrictions . Yoga gives a greater awareness and positively affects your life .
Yoga is an ancient practice focusing on bodily strength and flexibility incorporating breathing to enhance physical , mental and spiritual wellbeing . The teachings of yoga goes back over 6,000 years , and the earliest evidence of yoga can be found in stone sealed figures of yoga postures in 3,000 BC in the Hindus Valley .
With increasing demands of modern life millions of people all over the world now turn to their yoga mats every day reaping its benefits … and it really makes my heart smile . Yoga gives us clarity in the modern day rat race and I know with every molecule in my being that through practicing yoga we become healthier in every way .
How do I find the yoga style that is right for me ?
Yoga has evolved over time and adapted to our increasingly stressful lives . For example more physical yoga ( Asanas ) helps release physical tension in our bodies and improve our mental state . Thousands of years ago we were not stuck in traffic , glued to screens in cyber worlds and facing the demands we now have . As the physical strength improves , relaxation improves and people find yoga helps release emotional tensions towards a deeper purpose in life with greater compassion and kindness .
Most yoga classes are based on physical postures ( Asanas ) with numerous benefits including detoxification , increased flexibility and bodily strength and recovery .
It also reduces stress , improves relaxation and provides a better clarity of mind . With so many traditional and new modern styles on the market with different elements and emphasis , choosing the right yoga class or style has for many become a mine field so I hope this will help .
The benefits of yoga
The physical and psychological benefits from regular yoga practice includes increased flexibility , better joint mobility , ligaments and tendons , increased strength and muscle tones , pain and injury rehabilitation and prevention . It also provides improved body awareness , better breathing , balanced body weight , detoxification , reducing blood pressure , rejuvenation , clarity of thought , relieves stress , depression and anxiety , peace of mind , feeling of well being , focus and balance … and the list goes on .
These benefits are why everyday folk are trying yoga to counter balance the demands of modern life . Yoga classes and holidays are on the rise providing a healthy retreat . Yogis are also becoming more adventurous .
When our lives are peaceful and rich with healthy and fun filled activities ( food for the soul ) we increase our general health ( body and mind ) and we are able to ride the storms of our lives more easily .
Once you find yoga you can never turn your back on it … becoming a way of life , and I will continue to share my love for yoga riding this evolutionary wave of conscious shift that is taking place .
I feel truly blessed to have found yoga and my yoga family which continues to grow . I have met so many incredibly brave and inspirational people along my journey who have all given me so much , more then they will ever realise and for that I am forever grateful !
Love and joy in all directions .

Click here to read the top guide to different types of yoga

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