If you thought that yoga was all about bending and twisting your body in odd shapes, it's time to rethink. Yoga is much more. In very simple words, giving care to your body, mind and breath is yoga.
Derived from the Sankrit word ‘yuj’ which means ‘to unite or integrate’, yoga is a 5,000-year-old Indian body of knowledge. Yoga is all about harmonizing the body with the mind and breath through the means of various pranayamas, yoga asanas (yoga poses) and meditation.
uddhi-yukto jahātīha ubhe sukṛita-duṣhkṛite tasmād yogāya yujyasva yogaḥ karmasu kauśhalam
Endowed with wisdom of Equanimity, transcending the opposites – good and bad actions, dedicate yourself to Yoga, for, truly, yoga is skill in action’, says Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita.
Caught in the dynamism of today’s world, every individual seems to be steeped in a lot of responsibilities at work, home and beyond. It may seem overwhelming, when there is a lot to do within a short span of time; despite the thrills and joys that come along with it.
Beyond the body is the mind; Beyond the mind is the intellect. When the intellect is strong, it overcomes the impact of the mind. And we eventually move towards the core of our existence - the Self, that opens us to expanded horizons.
Features
- Better health and flexibility
- Alleviates stress and boosts immunity
- Increased self-awareness
- Self-healing – helps build a positive mindset
- Increased attention, focus and concentration
The human mind is constantly involved in activity – swinging from the past to the future – but rarely stays in the present. By simply being aware of this tendency of the mind, we can actually save ourselves from getting stressed or worked up and relax the mind. Yoga and pranayama help create this awareness and brings the mind back to the present moment, where it can stay happy and focused. Surya Namasakar
Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation is a sequence of 12 powerful yoga poses. Besides being a great cardiovascular workout, Surya Namaskar is also known to have an immensely positive impact on the body and mind.
Practicing Surya Namaskar steps is best done early morning on an empty stomach
Besides good health, Surya Namaskar also provides an opportunity to express gratitude to the sun for sustaining life on this planet.
- Helps maintain cardiovascular health
- Stimulates the nervous system
- Helps in stretching, flexing, and toning the muscles
- Strengthens the immune system
- Enhances cognitive functions
- Improves overall health, strengthens the body, and relaxes the mind