The age old practice of Yoga is still present. What comes to mind when the word "Yoga" is brought up in the midst of conversation? Hipster? Fad? Boring? Expensive? While these may all be quite certain possibilities, there seems to be a varied perception about the ancient art of Yoga. I am quite aware that this has become a more mainstream initiative with a slew of additional agendas and marketing platforms centered around it. That being shared, the beauty of the mind and body connection from the excercising is one of many benefits. It helps reduce stress, promote vitality,serves as a mood enhancer, increases physical strength, crystallizes mental focus and also keeps us in great fitness.
I began practicing almost a year ago. So I'm really considered a newbie, baby yogi, and several other terms of endearment. However, it doesn't take years or decades to experience firsthand the benefits physically, mentally and emotionally that are the result of a decision to practice Yoga. It was right before the Christmas holiday and I had already been on an intense "body journey" that entailed a personal fitness regimen, a guided nutrition plan as well as formatted mental and occasional spiritual excercises. Nothing creepy, just allowed most behaviors or interactions to consciously come from an organic place a kind of genuine awareness about the body, mind, and being as well as my role in it. In the midst of those personal agendas, I also
juggled hats of a business owner, wife, mother, daughter, friend etc. So, it could not have been introduced to me at a better time! I found a lot of inspiration from a bivy of articles, videos and odd assortments of random information. I also visited local yoga studios to experience the "community" aspect of yoga, which I really enjoy. It was that simple for me.
If you are trying to decide if Yoga is the right fit for you, do some research. The most glaring benefit is that it actually benefits both the mind and body! Yes, it actually improves the cognitive function as well as builds strength and flexibility physically. Recent studies have even suggested that it could limit the genes associated with inflammation, may reduce the aging process on a cellular level, boosts immunity and even ease migraines. If these amazing uses don't suit your fancy, then maybe you could benefit from a better nights sleep? Yoga can significantly improve the sleep quality for many even those suffering from insomnia. Personally, mornings when I dial in during my session and sequences, I tend to sleep like a log that evening. So from experience, this is a great effect of regular practice. If you are contemplating yoga for weight loss, be mindful that any weight loss goal should be incremental and appropriate for your height and age. However, the practice of yoga definitely allows you to curb certain food cravings all while boosting sexual performance as well! Yoga soothes chronic back pain, reduces symptoms of depression and for Diabetics lowers blood sugar while speeding up nerve impulses. Awesome. If there is a downside, I don't see one.
Ultimately, the personal decision to pursue any fitness regimen, including Yoga is a pivotal one. I started and never looked back and encourage others to do the same. Join in the "Bend don't Break" movement and join the rest of the baby yogis of the world!
Happy Bending!
CC
