Yoga is a 6000-year-old form of exercise which not only disciplines the body but conditions the mind as well.
While the various asanas or postures are the core of yoga training, the breath is its soul. It's been said that if you can breathe, you can practice yoga. A fundamental aim of yoga is to help you learn to calm your mind through your breathing.
The regular practice of yoga will make you intimately acquainted with yoga. You'll learn proper techniques for breathing which will produce relaxation and stress relief and also help you to achieve better posture.
Our minds tend to wander; thinking of the future and the past constantly. With yoga, you'll train yourself to consider the present - where we are, where our bodies exist. The practice of yoga through breathing techniques helps you to draw your thoughts inward and release all of your worries and tensions.
One of the energizing aspects of yoga is that it teaches you the ability to be deeply aware of the present moment, at the same times as you are letting go of the worries and concerns that can cause stress and illness in your body.
By practicing yoga, you will learn to breathe consciously which will make your mind attentive and focused on your practice. You will be able to maintain your thoughts in the present, sweeping aside worries and concerns.
The following breathing exercise is a simple method of practicing yoga that will help you to let go of stress and balance your mind.
* Sit or lie down in a comfortable position and become attuned to your normal breathing patterns.
* Continue by being aware of your breath but make your inhalations and your exhalations 4 counts each for several rounds.
* Next, make your inhalations and exhalations last for five counts each.
* Then increase the count to 6 for each inhalation and exhalation. Become aware of your body - make sure that it is relaxed.
* Continue increasing your inhalations and exhalations all the way up to 9 counts. If you feel that this is causing you any stress, drop the count back down to a number that is comfortable for you.
* Keep bringing your mind back to your body to check to see if there is any tension anywhere in your body. If so, attempt to relax that part of your body.
* Whatever your final number of breaths is, continue breathing with long breaths for several rounds, then drop the counting and breathe naturally for 10 rounds.
What you should discover from this exercise, as well as with many of yogas other breathing exercises, is the ability to relax your thoughts and to still your mind so that you are present in your body. In time, you will eventually gain mastery over your breath so that you will be able to call on your breath to still your mind in times of stress and tension.
While the various asanas or postures are the core of yoga training, the breath is its soul. It's been said that if you can breathe, you can practice yoga. A fundamental aim of yoga is to help you learn to calm your mind through your breathing.
The regular practice of yoga will make you intimately acquainted with yoga. You'll learn proper techniques for breathing which will produce relaxation and stress relief and also help you to achieve better posture.
Our minds tend to wander; thinking of the future and the past constantly. With yoga, you'll train yourself to consider the present - where we are, where our bodies exist. The practice of yoga through breathing techniques helps you to draw your thoughts inward and release all of your worries and tensions.
One of the energizing aspects of yoga is that it teaches you the ability to be deeply aware of the present moment, at the same times as you are letting go of the worries and concerns that can cause stress and illness in your body.
By practicing yoga, you will learn to breathe consciously which will make your mind attentive and focused on your practice. You will be able to maintain your thoughts in the present, sweeping aside worries and concerns.
The following breathing exercise is a simple method of practicing yoga that will help you to let go of stress and balance your mind.
* Sit or lie down in a comfortable position and become attuned to your normal breathing patterns.
* Continue by being aware of your breath but make your inhalations and your exhalations 4 counts each for several rounds.
* Next, make your inhalations and exhalations last for five counts each.
* Then increase the count to 6 for each inhalation and exhalation. Become aware of your body - make sure that it is relaxed.
* Continue increasing your inhalations and exhalations all the way up to 9 counts. If you feel that this is causing you any stress, drop the count back down to a number that is comfortable for you.
* Keep bringing your mind back to your body to check to see if there is any tension anywhere in your body. If so, attempt to relax that part of your body.
* Whatever your final number of breaths is, continue breathing with long breaths for several rounds, then drop the counting and breathe naturally for 10 rounds.
What you should discover from this exercise, as well as with many of yogas other breathing exercises, is the ability to relax your thoughts and to still your mind so that you are present in your body. In time, you will eventually gain mastery over your breath so that you will be able to call on your breath to still your mind in times of stress and tension.
About the Author:
Learn more about the practice of yoga at Simple Yoga Essentials, a guide to basic yoga exercises that will improve your body, mind and spirit.
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