Yoga is a dynamic and challenging practice that can be as demanding as you allow it to be. Yoga is known for its physical and mental benefits, which include balance, strength, and flexibility. It’s also broadly considered to be a spiritual practice because it emphasizes mindfulness and awareness of the body.
The word “yoga” derived from Sanskrit meaning “to yoke” or “to join together”; this meaning extends to the idea of union between mind, body, and spirit. The ultimate goal of yoga is enlightenment or liberation from suffering (moksha).
The practice of yoga has been practiced in many forms since ancient India. The modern Westernized version of yoga was developed in the late 19th century as an adaptation of Hatha yoga and Ashtanga yoga. It first became popular in the West in the 20th century, especially after it was introduced to various health clubs by Yogi Ramsuratkumar.
Here https://todayevery.com is the overall philosophy of Yoga :
1. Mastery of a pose or asana –
It requires specific alignment and balance through careful observation of body movement in that pose. Asanas are dynamic and ever-changing and must be repeated often to develop mastery of them.
Yoga poses are all about relationships – between mind, body, and spirit – in alignment with your true Self; they are the product of your unique life’s experiences, so they reflect your deeper self-knowledge!
2. Life Lessons and Spirituality :
Each pose has a specific philosophical meaning and is designed to build a balance between the mind, body, and spirit. The goal is to discover your true Self by moving away from stress, anxiety, anger, ego, and all other negative emotions that you carry with you in life; rather you choose to be at peace with yourself.
3. A conscious choice for healthy living :
The practice of yoga often includes breathing exercises for health benefits like opening the lungs and improving blood flow through increased flexibility of the rib cage – these are essential elements in its physical benefits! Use yoga to harness your own inner strength and achieve balance in your mind through increased concentration on your breath.
4. Skill in Movement :
Yoga is a practice of movement, so it is a good way to help you master more fluid, efficient movement while also developing strength, flexibility, and balance. It can help you learn how to be fully present in the moment with awareness of your body by learning to move with precision and control as well as how to make conscious choices.
5. Relationship with the Self :
Asana is about “yoking” in body and mind; it focuses on developing mindfulness through contact with your inner Self and promotes connection between mind, body, and spirit. Yoga is about “union” with the Self and inner peace; it teaches you how to be more self-aware and guide your own life through self-reflection.
6. Balancing of mind and body :
Asana is about “ union;” it brings awareness to the body, allowing you to align your thoughts, emotions, and spirit with your true Self, while also bringing a sense of harmony between all systems of the body. Yoga connects mind, body, and spirit through breathing exercises that promote deep breaths that balance the sympathetic nervous system by using pranayama or breathing exercises.
7. A mindful attitude of life :
Yoga is about “full engagement” with life; it is highly physical, deeply spiritual, and helps integrate all aspects of your life. Yoga integrates the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of your life as well as somatic education.
It provides a framework for making choices and taking action in accordance with your values and goals. This training teaches you how to pay attention to all of the details in your daily life so that you can achieve balance within yourself and around the world.
8. A safe vehicle for personal growth :
Asana is an opportunity to practice interesting yet safe yoga poses that will direct a healthier flow of energy through your body. It teaches you the importance of allowing your spine to remain straight and relaxed while remaining in the pose.
Yoga helps you find a place of balance within yourself, where you can be more aware of your own inner voice and intuitive feelings. It also provides a safe space to explore your emotions and every aspect of your life through self-reflection.
9. Living in the present moment :
Yoga is about “being present in the moment with awareness” through precise movements that promote discipline in mind and body alignment with an emphasis on disciplined breathing techniques. Indeed, yoga provides a physical and mental awareness of your mind and body, which helps you learn how to live more in the moment by detaching from the past or future.
10. Restoring balance :
A yoga practice helps you restore balance in every part of your life – physically and mentally. Yoga can help set you on a path toward living a more compassionate, mindful life.
It provides an opportunity to connect with others while helping them achieve greater health and happiness – physical, emotional or spiritual – through the cultivation of sensitivity towards their experiences and wisdom through engagement with their minds and bodies.