The Benefits of Yoga for Your Body and Your Mind (Continued)
Getting rid of negativity is important because these negative thoughts are stored in our bodies and disrupt the balance of health. The aging process is accelerated by stress, poor diet and a negative attitude. By purifying our body and keeping it supple, we can reduce cell deterioration.
You need not be concerned about your age or fitness level. Yoga is truly for everyone. The most important factor is a commitment to you. Whether you choose to practice on your own or in a class, it’s important to work at a pace you are comfortable with. The benefits are limited
only by the time and effort you are willing to spend.
There
are many forms of yoga. Hatha (meaning sun and moon) yoga
is the most popular in this part of the world. It concentrates
on the theory that gaining control over the body is the key
to controlling the mind. The postures emphasize balancing
opposing forces in the body such as forward bends followed
by backward bends, standing postures followed by inversions,
left movements followed by movements to the right etc.
Your
particular path to getting started may be to read up on the
philosophy and history of yoga. Or you may want to get an
audio or visual program to teach you how to do the postures
and breathing exercises. Another plan would be to join a
class for proper guidance and the social aspect. Some basic
guidelines to keep in mind are: Find a quiet place to practice
(no phone, tv, etc) to distract you. You’ll
need a mat or carpet for comfort. Wear comfortable clothing
and leave your feet bare. Do not eat a heavy meal before
starting.
It is important that you progress at your own
pace. Yoga is not about competition or guilt. Any amount
that you can comfortably do will be a step in the right direction.
No matter how out of shape or inflexible you are, with a
little practice, you’ll soon feel increased vitality and a sense of well- being. Instead of worrying about “find the time” it will become an enjoyable part of your life.
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