I hope you enjoyed contemplating some of the deeper meaning of yoga in my previous blog where we considered three important aspects of yoga. Petanjali, the “Author of Yoga” from ancient times included five more aspects that influence our physical and mental health. Again, I will be quoting from the Bodhi Yoga Teacher Training manual.
4. Breath-Work: Pranayama-Prana refers to the life force of the universe. Pranayama is yogic breath-work. This is a big one. The benefits are listed; to tone the diaphram, release thyroid tension, increase energy, calm the nervous system, relieve insomnia, cleanse the body and mind and reach altered states of consciousness. How about a sound night sleep? I consider that an altered state of consciousness. Breath-work does magical things.
5. Reflection: Pratyahara-Turning the senses inward from the external world to the inner.
6. Focus: Dharana-Concentration and focusing of the mind on a particular point.
7. Meditation: Dyana-a meditative increase of deep concentration to envelope the entire consciousness in the present.
The last three aspects help me become fully present in my life. This is no small trick for me and I continually work on becoming better at it. These aspects of yoga really help. Now for the crown jewel.
8. Joy: Samahidi-“State of truth and bliss”, Transcendence. Have you ever wanted to lift out of this troublesome world, just for a few minutes? That isn’t easy for me, but doing yoga on a regular basis brings me closer to the joy I aspire to in my life. Come join me in my yoga practice and find out what I am talking about.
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