Yoga that I was taught was incredibly difficult and almost impossible to do at first. There were some serious hangups in the beginning but like anything once you get some practice it gets a whole lot easier. Knowing what Yoga is all about really helps to achieve the end result in each practice much clearer.

Yoga to me is a spiritual practice of extroversion. While much of our religious or mystical endeavors are introverted mental practices focusing on the mind, like meditation and prayer. Yoga is designed to focus on the body and the mind together. Which can be a much more thorough approach to understanding the self.

“Know thyself.” – Persian Maxim from Zarathustra or Zoroaster

“In man all things are hidden.” – Taken from the Qabalah author unknown.

Most people learn more by doing than reading. Both combined are what makes a thorough comprehension on the subjects studied. Applying what you learn is important, There is NO substitute for direct experience, that’s what I always say about anything I’m discussing.

To put it simply, would you go jumping out of an airplane with a skydiver who has never actually done it before, but maybe read all about it took classes and the like. Not me, I would feel much more comfortable with someone who has prior experience.

There are eight different sections otherwise known as extensions or limbs of Yoga. Asana was the first that was on the list from which I learned. The definition offered was ‘Posture’ gaining control over the body. Then, the practices were described as sitting in one position and tense every single muscle in the entire body. Pushing the tip of the tongue against the lower teeth and outwardly folding the rest of the tongue towards the mouth. This would prevent the jaw from clenching and after all the tongue is also a muscle. Doing this and remaining Completely still (or as still as possible )for the length minimum of 1 hour.

It can be done, trust me! It took me a while, after I broke my record and got past the first 5 mins., the next time I went to 23 mins. then an hour and 22 mins. It is best to keep a journal of all your practices. Yes it is painful but when you are done you feel like you can accomplish ANYTHING! It is excellent for the body and your health.

Yoga has eight limbs or branches. I will only be discussing the first few here, and write another article describing the others. In my opinion each limb is worthy of an entire treatise all it’s own. Yoga, as any good yogi will tell you; can be almost anything. However, anything cannot be yoga. The true through paradigm. Good yoga is a consistent persistence in order to lasso the mind into your true will of control. Hence the first two limbs Yama and Niyama.

Yama: meaning control. Is the first limb of Yoga.
Niyama, the second limb, which can only be interpreted as control over your control beyond the nature and finite complexities of control. Hoe- hum- drum, the paradox rears her wondrous stare back on us. Spiritual practices are just that, though. Often times we are consigned to do a thing unwittingly and unconsciously aware of any real outwardly significant benefit. Then after the grasshopper hops through routine after routine always hopping then suddenly the grasshopper jumps. Which is what many people,(not just Oprah)has deemed what is commonly known as an ‘Aha’ moment.

Next comes the first actual practice or exercise with which the other principals are applied.

Asana- The practice described above.

Then comes Pranayama, meaning control or regularization of breath. This practice can actually increase your brain power. It pushes blood flow through otherwise dormant vessels in the brain. I will write extensively on this in another article.

Mantra Yoga is exactly how is sounds. Reciting a word or phrase over and over again until you become lost in the act. Mantra’s are useful in so many ways. I always imagine “It think I can I think i can I think I can”. Ultimately, recurring into I can, I think, I can, I think, then back again. An excellent example.

Yes Mantra Yoga, my little helper. Yogayogayogayoga! Now say that fifteen times fast. I imagine at times you will eventually see yourself or hear rather, saying gayogayogayo and technically that’s the point. The point being a mantra which is an actual integral part of the yoga exercise. Real yoga that is. Well, I can’t really say that anything is fake yoga, but definitely fad like.

Fact is, I believe that mantra is a widely overlooked stepping stone or good tip, even better: trick to the trade. Yoga as well as being many things including or all things or no thing can be best described at least in a western state of thinking or speaking “external meditating”. Using or rather pushing the body towards its advantageous limits, in order to maintain good health and inner peace. As in the case of Asana. Mantra the mental tool can be the help that gets u over the hump. And in real hard yoga one needs all the help one can get.

These days its hard not to come across health and fitness advertisements, especially in the United States. Somewhere, in all the ads, undoubtedly you will come across yoga. Now, there are many types of Yoga. For instance, there is Hatha-yoga, Raja yoga, Pradipika yoga, Mantra yoga and many more than I am even aware of. I must admit, I have never taken a class (or even considered it) on Yoga. I just cannot see myself paying good money to do exercises that to me are highly personal, in front of a group of strangers. I also wonder what exactly they do in those classes? I couldn’t imagine the technique’s mentioned above becoming the latest craze, or gaining any popularity whatsoever.

Yoga, if I am not mistaken is primarily a spiritual practice designed for achieving inner peace, or bring you closer to god and/or heaven. I understand this and because I have read many recommended books on the subject, plus put into action the recommended practices in those books, I believe my understanding is sound.

I do apologize for the sloppy nature of this article as I had no real idea where to begin. This wasn’t really planned as well as I would have liked. I simply just sat down, decided on a subject that I knew a little about and began writing. In the future I will endeavor to write a little more on this subject with more practiced and organized thought.

Do you know what it takes to unite your body, mind, and soul? If you did, do you realize that you would be able to achieve the balance that nearly everyone wishes they had in their lives? Do you know what you need to do for yourself in order to bring about this balance?

Part of uniting these three elements of your person is knowing what makes you passionate. Knowing what makes you passionate will help you get in touch with your soul, to feel creative energy, to feel truly alive. Spiritual or creative passion can help you to achieve those feelings. Whether it is through faith, music, or some other type of artistic expression, you must find what will awaken your soul in order to strike balance in your life. Here are some tips to guide you:

What are your goals for the future? What would you like to ultimately achieve in your life? Is it spiritual enlightenment? Is it social status? Or is it merely to be the best person you can be, and make a contribution to society? What is important, though, is the process by which you attain your ultimate goal. That is what will generate your passion.

Try to focus on the positive, and do not dwell on the negative. Recall you accomplishments and good deeds. Doing this will help keep you positive, and keep your spirit up. If you constantly remind yourself of your mistakes, you will find it harder to succeed down the road, and your mind, body, and soul will work against you.

You have heard of finding your happy place right? This form of meditation helps you take your mind and spirit to a comfortable place that fills you with happiness. This is an ideal thing to do when you are in the middle of a stressful day at work or with the kids; it provides the perfect opportunity to regroup.

Spark a change. Plan a vacation, even if it is just for a weekend. Nothing does the body, mind, and soul better than a little change of scenery. Go where you will be happy, and be able to let loose and have some fun. Try it on your own. It might sound scary, but you will be surprised at how relaxed and refreshed you will be after a weekend all to yourself!

Try some daily affirmations. Pick three things that you can say out loud in the mirror that will help you stay centered, positive, and focused. Saying something often enough has the power to make it true for you. Remember not to dwell on the negative, focus on the positive. Three basic affirmations that you can work from include:

I am safe and secure.

The Universe gives me everything that I need.

My income will continue to increase.