Breath In, Breath Out – Yoga
The origins of yoga can be traced back to ancient India, around 5000 years ago. The word “yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” which means to unite or to join. Yoga was originally developed as a spiritual practice that aimed to unite the mind, body, and spirit in order to achieve a state of inner peace and harmony.
The earliest written mention of yoga can be found in the Rigveda, a collection of ancient Indian hymns that were written between 1500 and 1200 BCE. These hymns mention yoga as a practice that was used to control the mind and the senses.
Over time, yoga evolved into a more complex system of physical, mental, and spiritual practices. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, written around 200 CE, is considered the most important text in the history of yoga. It outlines the eight limbs of yoga, including ethical guidelines, physical postures, breath control, and meditation.
During the medieval period, yoga continued to develop in India, with the creation of different styles and schools of yoga. Hatha yoga, which focuses on physical postures and breath control, emerged as a popular style of yoga in the 15th century.
Yoga was introduced to the West in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily through the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and other Indian teachers. It became popular in the 1960s and 1970s, as part of the counterculture movement, and has since become a mainstream practice in many countries around the world.
Today, yoga is practiced by millions of people worldwide and is recognized as a beneficial practice for physical and mental health.
Starting yoga can be a great way to improve your physical and mental health. Here are some steps you can take to begin practicing yoga:
Set your intention: Before you start practicing yoga, take some time to reflect on why you want to practice yoga. This can help you stay motivated and focused as you start your practice.
Find a suitable yoga style: There are many different styles of yoga, and each has its own benefits and challenges. Some popular styles include Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Bikram yoga. Choose a style that suits your goals and preferences.
Choose a class or online tutorial: You can start by taking a beginner’s yoga class at a local studio, community center or online tutorial for the comfort of your home.
Invest in basic equipment: Yoga requires minimal equipment. You can start with a yoga mat and comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely.
Learn basic poses: As a beginner, it’s important to learn the basic yoga poses. Some common poses include downward-facing dog, child's pose, tree pose, and mountain pose. A teacher or online tutorial can guide you through these poses.
Practice regularly: Starting with a regular practice of 2-3 times per week for 30-60 minutes can be a great way to build a foundation and grow your practice.
Remember, yoga is a journey, and it takes time and practice to achieve the full benefits of this practice. Keep a positive attitude, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the process!