True Essence of Yoga

Yoga is an internal, as well as external way of life that purifies and strengthens us. It is a pure awareness that supports us to dive deeper within. It is a powerful and soulful blend of taking an inner journey through various asana (postures), pranayam (breath work), kriya (repetitive actions) and dhyan (meditation).

The word ‘yoga’ means ‘union’, and it is a celebration of the union of the three spheres of our precious existence—the mental, physical and spiritual, or as they manifest themselves in our beings, the mind, body and soul. The role of the breath is central, binding together this union, and may include chants, mantras, positive affirmations, meditation and breathing exercises to enhance our awareness of the link.

Movement, sound and breath. when coming together powerfully as one, takes the form of kriyas. The right environment is needed to allow us to embrace the deeper spiritual aspects of yoga, and may use heart-warming music to create a soulful mood.

Yoga is an ancient, sacred, and universal practice that acts as a safe container for us to make it a personal practice/sadhna that is deeply nurturing, nourishing and supportive of our individual journey. Learning the true essence of yoga is possible through an exploration of its physical, emotional as well as spiritual aspects which are organic and true to our own practice. In this sense, it is imperative for us to meet ourselves just where we are in our lives on and off the mat with loving kindness and deep compassion.

In truth, mindful yoga classes have the power to deliver deeper benefits for the body, as well as the mind. By building a deep focus on the physical state of the body in the present moment, mindful yoga encourages an enhanced awareness of posture and technique. Practiced in this way, even challenging asanas can be accomplished with less risk of injury.

On the spiritual side, mindful yoga offers us a time to escape the chaos of urban living and embrace an inner journey which leads us from a place of restless confusion to a place of blissful tranquility. It is only by reaching such a state that we can learn the true essence of our beingness.

Yoga creates a state of limitlessness, a vast spaciousness that we can choose to fill with as much joy and as much love we can hold and spread. Yoga is a sacred sadhna that supports us to mindfully journey through the ebb and flow of life, embrace the full spectrum of being human as well as the limitless energy that we are.

Neeta Hand is a board-certified clinical hypnotherapist. For more information, visit Ruhcara.com.