Yoga unites the mind, body, and soul in a way that eases tension and promotes health and well being. Regular practice improves your breathing and outlook on life.
Yoga is a mind and body practice that can:
1. Build strength and flexibility
2. Manage pain
3. Reduce stress
4. Improve overall health
What is yoga?
Yoga is a Sanskrit word translated as “yoke” or “union.” To yoke means to draw together, to bind together; or to unite. Its aim is to yoke or create a union of the body, mind, soul, and universal consciousness.
This process of uniting the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of ourselves is what allows yogis to experience deep states of freedom, peace and self-realization.
Goals of Yoga
Yoga is a meditative process of self-discovery and liberation. It is a diverse collection of practices that aims to control the mind, recognize a detached witness consciousness, and free oneself from the cycle of birth and death. It teaches us to see ourselves clearly, to understand what is true about who we are, and to let go of anything that does not serve us. It helps us to become aware of our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs, and to change them when they no longer serve us. It gives us the tools to make better choices in life, and to live more fully.
Yoga is a practice that allows us to transform and purify our bodies, minds, and souls. It expands our consciousness to help us connect with nature and the universe around us. It also gives us greater access to inner resources to teach us about self-awareness, acceptance, compassion, patience, gratitude, forgiveness, humility, love, peace, and joy.
7 Ways to Create Your Own Happiness Through Yoga
Heartfulness Yoga gives us a deep understanding of the art and science of lasting happiness:
1. Asanas help to ease tension and promote health and well-being. Yoga poses done with complete breath and body awareness give us a “sense of direction” and keep us “completely centered and grounded.”
Gomukhasana, Marjariasana, Bhujangasana, Dhanurasana, Ustrasana, and Chakrasana are wonderful postures for opening our hearts and preparing us to fall in love with everything. These practices instill in us feelings of belongingness, forgiveness, contentment, gratitude and surrender.
2. Regular and simple Pranayama practice makes our breathing smoother, calmer, and regulated. It calms the mind and slowly improves our outlook on life.
3. Relaxation helps us to know the importance of “the power of pause.”
4. Cleaning helps us remove the obstacles to happiness on the path and achieve a state of balanced mind. We learn to let go of unnecessary clutter.
5. Meditation with Transmission helps us to uncover and cultivate our deep intention, taking us on the path of true happiness.
6. Journaling helps us to check and reflect on how far we have traveled on the path of happiness.
7. Prayer reminds us to finish off our list of desires.
Yoga is not just about physical exercise; it’s a holistic approach that integrates the body, mind, and spirit. Here are some yoga practices that are known to boost happiness:
1. Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar):
A series of flowing poses that warm up the body and energize you. It’s a great way to start your day with positivity.
2. Backbends:
Heart-opening poses like Cobra or Bridge pose help release tension in the chest and increase feelings of joy.
3. Twists:
Twisting poses wring out tension and stress from the spine, promoting a sense of renewal and freshness.
4. Inversions:
Poses like Headstand or Shoulderstand increase blood flow to the brain, improving mood and reducing stress.
5. Balancing Poses:
Poses that require focus and balance, such as Tree pose, help calm the mind and improve concentration, leading to a sense of accomplishment and happiness.
6. Meditation and Mindfulness:
Yoga isn’t just about physical postures; meditation and mindfulness practices are integral. They calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote a positive outlook on life.
7. Gratitude Practice:
Incorporate a gratitude meditation or reflection into your yoga routine. Focusing on what you’re thankful for can shift your mindset towards happiness.
Remember, it’s not about achieving the perfect pose but about the journey and connection between your body and mind. Enjoy the process, and let the happiness flow!
