Yoga can mean many things–philosophy, body work, meditation, lifestyle, healing tradition and nowadays, even a trendy sport. Today, most people are unaware of the original meaning of “yoga” since you can find yoga classes at fitness studios, Buddhist centres and adult education studios.
But what does yoga actually mean? The word “yoga” was derived from the Sanskrit word “yog,” which translates to English as “yoke.” A yoke is the connective element between two horses pulling a carriage. From this, we can understand that yoga is something that brings things together, something that connects different elements. Other meanings of the word “yoga” are “unification” and “integration.”
Yoga is unity
So what is connected through yoga? Any authentic form of yoga works toward the final goal of integrating all aspects of one’s being–the harmonious play between energy, feelings, mind, body, soul and spirit–as well as the unification of the individual and the universe. This means that yoga practice can eventually lead to a deep merging of oneself with one’s inner and outer worlds. If our inner and outer worlds are in unison, we experience a natural state of harmony and inner peace in daily life as well as in situations of challenge or crisis. Further, a state of unity between our inner and outer worlds manifests as perfect health and bodily fitness, inner and outer balance, treating our body and feeling better, inner and outer purity, contentment, freedom and fulfillment.
How does yoga lead to balance?
A systematic and consistent yoga practice gradually awakens the energetic structure of our being and balances it. When our energies flow freely and harmoniously again, our body restructures itself into a new, healthier, more balanced shape. In the same way, the energetic balance affects our mind and emotions. Traumas, emotional and mental tensions are released; the mind becomes more and more focused and peaceful; and our emotions can be newly discovered as sources of liveliness and intense fulfillment.
Yoga as daily practice
For yoga to have an effect, we must actually do one thing: practice yoga! Daily practice is the secret to getting results. And results are the secret to maintaining consistency in practice. Yoga is an applied spiritual science that can prove its effectiveness only through one’s own experience. One who invests a small amount of time for yoga practice every day will achieve results and experience wonderful effects within a short time. Not only will daily yoga practice lead to better focus and physical strength, but also, a continuous peaceful inner state, improved social interactions, higher quality of life, and more.
Advice for daily yoga practice
A systematic and consistent yoga practice gradually awakens the energetic structure of our being and balances it. When our energies flow freely and harmoniously again, our body restructures itself into a new, healthier, more balanced shape. In the same way, the energetic balance affects our mind and emotions. Traumas, emotional and mental tensions are released; the mind becomes more and more focused and peaceful; and our emotions can be newly discovered as sources of liveliness and intense fulfillment.
- Rather than practicing three hours in a row once a week, practice yoga for 30 minutes daily.
- Make a clear plan for when and where you want to practice yoga.
- Involve your friends and family! It is much easier to practice together.
- Be realistic from the start: what can you actually manage to integrate in your daily life?
- Plan your troubleshooting beforehand: what can you do on a day when it is difficult to stick to your routine? Thinking about it in advance can buffer surprises that might otherwise derail your plans.
- Arrange a space in your home that you only use for your yoga practice. Soon you will feel like just entering your little sacred space will calm you, inspire you and help you focus.
- Yoga is best practiced in the morning because your willpower is highest before noon. If possible, plan a daily morning session, and get up a little earlier to start the day with inner growth.
- And the cherry on top: a regular yoga practice will reduce your need to sleep. After just a few weeks of consistent yoga practice, you might observe that your time investment has paid off. :-)
Below you will find a very inspiring video showing the miraculous effects of consistent daily yoga practice which can change a life from misery to happiness.
We at Mahasidda wish you a wonderful yoga practice!