My own experience practicing yoga allows me to confidently explain the benefits of yoga to anyone. I saw profound changes in my own life when I started practicing yoga. But first, it's essential to know what yoga is. Some might interpret it as a form of physical exercise that might burn some calories. Some do it for mental peace and stability and others for more spiritual reason. ‘Dhyan’ or meditation is also an important part of yoga. Yoga comes from Sanskrit word ‘yuj’ means ‘to unite ’. The ultimate goal of yoga is to unite oneself with God . It is not a concept that many will understand, therefore for the benefit of the common masses yoga has taken a new form from the past.
For many years, yoga has been practiced in India, helping to ground and connect men with their true selves. The earliest record of yoga with its proper techniques was found in the Pathanjali’s yoga Sutra. It was written by the great sage Pathanjali maharishi, who is also known as the father of yoga. The technique of yoga is believed to have passed on from lord Shiva to the ’Saptarishis’ (the seven sages) who then went around the world spreading this knowledge.
The benefits of practicing yoga are innumerable, it has been scientifically proven to cure many physical and mental ailments. Many lifestyle diseases can be prevented by practising yoga. it is proved to cure many bronchial diseases, asthma and allergies. The pranayamam breathing technique can be very beneficial for lung health. Apart from physical health yoga also helps to increase concentration, keeps the mind calm, helps to think clearly and also helps to get over addictions.
We can live without yoga, but by practicing yoga you will not just live, but also will be aware that you are living. Yoga is not a ten-minute practice in the morning it a step towards a conscious way of living. Yoga teaches us to take responsibility in our actions and live a ‘sathvic’ life. Yoga does include physical movement but what makes it different from other forms of exercise is that it helps not only our body but also our mind. Through yoga, we can transcend the limitations of mind and body and move on to much higher dimensions of life, without any hindrance.
As a result of practicing yoga and meditation, I have changed as a person, and I have been able to handle myself more effectively. It helped me think clearly. When my thoughts become clear then every action become refined. Let us keep passing this profound knowledge on to our future generations because mental and physical health is very important for the times we live in. With the increase number of mental health issues and amidst the covid pandemic it is very important that we keep ourselves and people around us from falling into mental health problems. This yoga day we can all be proud to be born in a land where such profound science such as yoga, meditation, Ayurveda and so on where born. Let us just take a step and move inwards and seek the truth within us. Let us all make a promise to live a conscious life.