Indian history is known for a lot of spiritual and scientific knowledge. The Vedas and Ayurveda are two such examples of theory as well as the practical application of the use of ancient knowledge in the everyday lives of the people for their wellbeing.
The people who have studied the Vedas claim that those books are ahead of their time. It seems almost remarkable and impossible that people knew so many concepts about the nature around us even before scientific evidence was found to prove them.
Similar is the case with Ayurveda. The ayurvedic techniques are mostly the use of herbs and easily found items in nature to be used for physical ailments. Yoga is another way of wellbeing and even more, that finds its roots in the Indian subcontinent.
Nowadays, people have started to practice various techniques of yoga for physical and mental wellbeing and it has been made easier with technology as people can easily access videos and details for their needs and buy yoga wheels online or buy yoga mats and other accessories through the internet.
Many teachers and yoga trainers are teaching their mastered techniques of yoga to people on the web or even in person. All it takes is a little bit of willingness, some yoga accessories, and the intention of getting better to lead a happy fulfilling life by practicing yoga.
WHAT IS YOGA
Yoga translated actually means “unison.” Yogic practices that have been used for so long basically aim at the people transcending their limitations in the physical body as well as the mind to unite with the divine.
There are also various types of yoga such as shambhavi mahamudra and kundalini yoga that actually work at the emotional and energy level of one’s being, focussing it into one direction that brings about spiritual enlightenment and experiences.
Other forms of yoga such as hatha yoga are mostly physical which rather aim at helping one achieve the ultimate potential of physical fitness. Most asanas or postures that are practiced in yoga are aimed at aligning the physical body with cosmic geometry.
By cosmic geometry one simply means the right way of being and existing. For example, there are numerous ways of sitting which may differ by slight differences in the position or alignment of the head or the back of the hands.
Out of these many postures, some specific ones like the Ardha Siddhasana have been known in the yogic culture to be the best ways to sit because sitting in this position opens up the mind to better awareness.
The asanas are simply the correct postures that one needs to practice in order to achieve spiritual awareness and mindfulness. But some of these asanas take years to be perfectly practiced. This is why just like other spiritual techniques like meditation, yoga takes a while to show visible effects in the body.
SOME BASIC ASANAS IN YOGA
Here is a list of some basic asanas that one can practice for beginning their spiritual journey or just buy yoga wheels online with yoga mats to practice these for stretching. These are not very complicated and if practiced consistently, they can show some positive effects on one’s health and reduce the levels of stress while improving sleep and appetite.
- MOUNTAIN POSE OR TADASANA: one stands with their feet together, shoulders relaxed and down, away from the ears. The Head should be lifted with a parallel vision. The hands are relaxed down on either side of the leg.
The spine should be stretched. Once in the correct posture, practice regular mindful breathing. Even though this is the most basic asana, it is supposed to improve the attention and focus of the individual.
- DOWN DOG ON A CHAIR OR UTTANA SHISHOSANA: grab a chair and place the palms shoulder-width apart on its back. Push the legs backward until they align with the hips and the body is bent such that the upper and lower parts form a right angle with the upper part parallel to the ground.
Stretch the arms and upper body while breathing regularly. It is known to strengthen the shoulders and stretch the spine.
- TREE POSE OR VRIKSHASANA: it is a modification of the mountain pose. Stand in the mountain pose but then slowly, bring one leg up and place the sole of the foot on the inner thigh of the other leg.
Bring the palms together in front of the chest in a namaste and focus the vision on a fixed point at parallel sight. Inhale and exhale slowly. The tree pose is actually a difficult one but with practice, it improves the sense of balance and helps one to achieve better concentration.