by Tirtha Acharya | Jul 2, 2024 | Yoga
It’s no secret that there are numerous physical and spiritual benefits of including yoga in your life. However, the spiritual aspects of yoga are not that well understood, various people have opposing views on whether yoga connects you to your spiritual self or not. In this article, we will be discussing the spiritual aspects of yoga.
Spiritual Aspect of Yoga:Promotes Inner Peace
One of the first spiritual aspects of yoga touches the depths of the human spirit and offers benefits beyond just strengthening and extending the body. Yoga helps reduce mental chatter through attentive breathing and meditation techniques, providing a unique kind of peace in today’s hectic environment. It teaches practitioners to be mindful of the here and now, developing a calmness that can be carried into everyday life as well as the yoga mat.
This inner peace is about building a deep reservoir of composure that can help weather life’s ups and downs, not merely about feeling at ease in the here and now. Yoga is an inspiring and spiritually liberating road to harmony and balance as practitioners learn to turn inward and connect with their true selves.
Yoga Reduces Stress
Reducing stress and providing a mental haven from the craziness of everyday life is one of the most profound spiritual aspects of yoga. The physical asanas, deliberate breathing, and relaxation or meditation that yoga practitioners employ together help to reduce the body’s stress reaction. A calmer state is encouraged by this all-encompassing approach rather than the fight-or-flight reaction that is typical in high-stress circumstances.
It has been observed that individuals who practice yoga have lower stress, and anxiety levels, lower heart rates, and decrease in blood pressure. Yoga allows you to focus in the moment and enhances your general well-being. In addition to that, the spiritual element of yoga helps people to get in touch with their bodies, minds, and emotions. This awareness helps them identify the reason behind their stress and eliminate it from the stem.
It Cultivates Self-awareness
The potential of yoga to enhance self-awareness is one of its great spiritual aspects. This age-old discipline unites breath, body, and mind to enhance practitioners’ awareness of themselves on a level beyond the physical poses seen in mainstream exercise. People can develop their inner connection, identify their thought patterns, and learn to listen to their bodies via regular yoga practice.
More emotional control, better decision-making, and a stronger sense of inner serenity and happiness can all result from this increased self-awareness. Yoga provides an avenue for self-exploration and personal development by promoting mindfulness and present-moment awareness. This allows practitioners to live more purposefully and peacefully, both on and off the yoga mat.
Offers Mental Focus and Clarity
The mind-clearing benefits of yoga are one of its many amazing features. Do you ever find it difficult to recall where you put your keys or how your brain feels at times when it’s cloudy? Of course, yoga can assist with that. Like when you’re practicing yoga, everything seems to just disappear as your attention is drawn to moving your body and breathing.
Your brain becomes trained to remain clear and sharp as a result. You’re not only stretching well, but you’re also exercising your thinking, which makes it fantastic. It’s similar to refreshing your browser, but for your mind instead. Imagine being able to concentrate and think enough to get through your day. Things simply get easier to deal with.
Open Your Third Eye with Yoga
The goal of yoga is to open up your third eye, which is one great feature. Though it’s not quite like that—if you were envisioning a miraculous eye appearing on your forehead it’s nonetheless fantastic in other ways. Our discussion of the third eye is mostly focused on insight and intuition. It’s similar to having superpowers that enable you to see and see extraterrestrial phenomena.
Yoga involves more than just stretching and holding positions; it also works on bringing your inner energy into balance. In many spiritual traditions, the third eye, which is located exactly between your eyebrows, is considered to be the source of intuition and insight. Yoga helps you get a glimpse of a deeper comprehension of the world around you and yourself by focusing on this region.
Imagine having a guide inside you, helping you make better choices and guiding you through tough times that’s your third eye getting into action. Opening it through yoga might not happen overnight, but with regular practice, you might start noticing you’re more in tune with your gut feelings and seeing things clearer. It’s like having an inner compass always pointing you in the right direction.
Yoga Calms Your Nerves and Mind
On one of those days when everything seems a little bit overwhelming, picture yourself. It seems as though you are turning off the world’s sounds as soon as you unfold your mat and begin your asanas. One breath at a time, decluttering your thoughts is just as important as stretching your body. You’re not just moving when you take each breath; you’re deliberately directing your thoughts toward a more peaceful state.
That calming feeling you get after yoga? Your mind appears calmer and more invigorated as if it had taken a spa day. For anyone trying to find some quiet amid the chaos, it’s practically a game-changer.
It Connects You to God
Yoga is a spiritual practice that can deepen your perception of God; it’s more than just a series of physical poses. Consider it as a link between the spiritual and mental domains that opens doors to a more profound experience of divinity and serenity within you.
You are exercising more than just your physical body when you roll over on your mat, practicing through the poses and paying attention to your breath. In addition, you’re clearing the clutter in your head to make room for something deeper. Many people feel a connection to a higher force, whatever that means to them, during these times of intention and silence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the spiritual aspect of yoga is a powerful tool for connecting yourself with the divine and experiencing inner peace. By including yoga into your daily lives, you can reduce stress and cultivate self-awareness, leading to mental focus and clarity. The practice also offers us the opportunity to open our third eye and tap into our intuition, bringing a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Apart from these benefits there are various other spiritual aspects of yoga which you discover along the way.
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by Tirtha Acharya | Jun 25, 2024 | Yoga
Anusara Yoga stands as a beacon of light in the realm of yoga, offering practitioners a transformative journey of self-discovery and alignment. Rooted in the principles of alignment, community, and heart-centered practice, Anusara Yoga goes beyond the physical postures, inviting individuals to align their mind, body, and heart in harmony. Founded on the belief that every individual possesses an innate goodness and the potential for transformation, Anusara Yoga at Shree Yoga represents a sacred space where practitioners can embark on a profound exploration of their inner selves.
In each Anusara Yoga class, practitioners are guided through mindful alignment techniques that not only strengthen the body but also foster a deeper connection with one’s intentions and aspirations. Led by experienced instructors who embody the essence of Anusara Yoga, classes provide a nurturing environment where students of all levels can cultivate self-awareness, resilience, and inner strength.
Anusara Yoga: Aligning Mind, Body, and Heart
At Shree Yoga, Anusara Yoga isn’t just about physical postures; it’s a journey of self-discovery, aligning the mind, body, and heart. Founded on the principles of alignment, community, and transformative experiences, Anusara Yoga offers a comprehensive approach to yoga that goes beyond fitness.
What to Expect from an Anusara Class:
In each Anusara Yoga class, practitioners can expect mindful alignment techniques that focus on harmonizing the body’s skeletal, muscle, and fascia structures. Led by experienced instructors deeply rooted in the philosophy of Anusara Yoga, classes offer a safe and supportive environment for practitioners of all levels to explore and deepen their practice.
Experienced Guidance:
With an emphasis on heart-centered practice, Anusara Yoga classes integrate meditation, reflection, and exploration of one’s intentions. The experienced guidance of instructors ensures that students not only improve their physical strength, flexibility, and balance but also cultivate a deeper awareness of themselves and their surroundings.
The History of Anusara Yoga:
Since its inception in 1997, Anusara Yoga has evolved into a global phenomenon, offering practitioners a path to personal growth and self-discovery. Despite challenges and transitions, the essence of Anusara Yoga remains rooted in its commitment to alignment, community, and transformative experiences.
The Anusara School of Hatha Yoga:
Under the umbrella of the Anusara School of Hatha Yoga, practitioners find a unified community dedicated to upholding the principles and values of Anusara Yoga. Through rigorous training, ongoing education, and community-building initiatives, the School ensures that the integrity and unique qualities of Anusara Yoga are preserved and celebrated. In essence, Anusara Yoga at Shree Yoga is more than just a physical practice; it’s a journey of self-discovery, alignment, and transformation, inviting practitioners to connect deeply with themselves and the world around them.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the journey of Anusara Yoga at Shree Yoga, we are reminded of its profound impact on the lives of practitioners worldwide. Beyond the physical postures and sequences, Anusara Yoga serves as a transformative path of self-discovery, alignment, and heart-centered practice. Through the guidance of experienced instructors and the support of a vibrant community, practitioners are empowered to deepen their practice, cultivate inner resilience, and align with their highest potential.
At Shree Yoga, Anusara Yoga represents more than just a series of exercises; it’s a journey of personal growth, connection, and transformation. As practitioners continue to explore the depths of their practice and align with their true essence, may they find peace, joy, and fulfillment on the sacred path of Anusara Yoga.
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by Tirtha Acharya | Jun 19, 2024 | Yoga
Why Yoga for Runners
We all know that running is one of the simplest yet best exercises to ever exist. It holds a large number of benefits for everyone from children to older individuals. But, do you know yoga can be incredibly beneficial for runners? In this article, we are going to explain the benefits of yoga for runners and some of the best poses for runners, read till the end of the article to find out.
6 Reasons Why Runners Should Do Yoga
Flexibility
Running may not require any equipment but it does need flexibility, a runner cannot be at 100% without being flexible. But, it of often neglected. Yoga helps you reach your flexibility goals by allowing you to use various muscles, increasing their suppleness. Not only does it increase flexibility but it also reduces the risk of injuries such as sprains, bruises, and tears. Moreover, yoga focuses help you achieve your balance and core strength which is extremely crucial for runners.
Yoga also opens up blood vessels which allow the blood to reach fatigued muscles, which eventually promotes faster muscle recovery.
Strength
As explained above, yoga is incredibly helpful in improving flexibility for runners however, that’s not all it does. Yoga can do wonders for runners in terms of strength as well. Yoga can simply improve your muscles’ endurance. Yoga also helps stabilise your muscles which helps runners in giving their best performance. Various yoga poses are exceptionally beneficial for runners, such as the plank, chair, and warrior.
The aforementioned poses help strengthen the quads, hamstrings, and hip flexors which eventually leads to a decreased risk of injury, and better overall performance. Along with that, yoga allows
These poses also strengthen the quads, hamstrings, and hip flexors. This strength leads to less risk of injury and improved performance. Yoga promotes body awareness and attention, which helps runners identify symptoms of strain and exhaustion.
Improved Breathing
Yoga works wonders for your breathing. Yoga practices, like those deep-breathing exercises called pranayama, teach you how to take fuller, more efficient breaths. Imagine getting more oxygen with each breath. With better oxygen flow, your muscles get the fuel they need, helping you run longer and even increasing your resistance to muscle fatigue.
Furthermore, yoga helps you develop a steady, rhythmic breathing pattern. This comes in super handy when you’re on a run because it keeps your breathing in check and can prevent that breathlessness. And let’s not forget the mental side of things yoga also teaches you to stay calm and control your breathing even when things get tough.
Develops Body Awareness
Yoga is awesome for developing body awareness, and as a runner, this can give you an edge. When you practice yoga, you get in tune with how your body moves and feels. You start to notice the little things, like how your weight shifts in different poses or how your muscles engage. You’ll become more conscious of your form which helping you identify and correct any issues.
This body awareness also means you’re more likely to catch any imbalances before they turn into full-blown injuries. For instance, if you notice a tight spot during a yoga session, you can manage it before it causes problems on a run.
Prevents Injury
When you practice yoga, you’re not only stretching and strengthening your muscles but also improving your flexibility and balance. This combo is extremely important for runners, as it helps ensure that your body can handle the motion of running without breaking down.
One of the biggest benefits is that yoga targets all the small muscles and connective tissues. Strengthening these areas means they can better support your larger muscle groups, reducing the risk of strains and sprains. Plus, as we have already discussed, yoga increases flexibility which keeps your muscles and joints limber, which ultimately helps prevent injuries. Moreover, yoga promotes better alignment and posture. When your body is aligned correctly, you’re less likely to develop the bad habits that lead to injuries.
Helps Relief Stress
Yoga allows you to breathe deeply, which in turn helps lower your stress levels and calm your mind. Managing stress is extremely important for runners because high stress can lead to tension in your muscles, poor sleep, and even a higher risk of injuries.
When you’re less stressed, your body performs better. You’ll find that your runs feel smoother and more enjoyable because your muscles are relaxed and you’re not carrying the weight of the day’s worries. Plus, a calm mind can improve your focus and mental resilience.
Which Yoga Positions are Best for Runners?
Downward Dog
The downward dog pose stretches out your hamstrings, calves, and Achilles tendons, all are the key areas that can get super tight from running. By spending some time in Downward Dog, you’re giving these muscles a much-needed stretch, which can help improve your flexibility and prevent injuries.
But that’s not all, downward dog also strengthens your shoulders, arms, and core. These muscles play a big role in maintaining good running form, especially on those long runs when you start to feel tired. By building strength in these areas, you’re more likely to keep a strong, stable posture, which in turn can improve your chances of getting hurt.
Low Lunge
Low lunge yoga pose gives your hip flexors a much-needed stretch. These muscles can get tight from all the miles you log in, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting during the day.
The Low Lunge also targets your quads and hamstrings, giving them a nice stretch while building strength and stability in your legs. This can help prevent common running injuries like IT band syndrome or a runner’s knee.
Conclusion
Running is a great exercise however, when combined with yoga, the benefits are multiplied several fold. Adding yoga to your life if you are a runner can help you recover from your injuries faster, increase your flexibility, improve your breathing, and do much more. Furthermore, some of the poses like the downward dog pose and low lunge are very helpful especially if you are a runner. Then again, everybody is different and every position affects everyone differently so the sky is the limit when it comes to discovering what suits your body.
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by Tirtha Acharya | Jun 11, 2024 | Yoga
Power of Mudras
We have seen people making hand gestures during meditation. Do you get curious whether these hand movements have an impact or not?
Well, the mudras have more spiritual, emotional, and physical effects than you imagine. The simple hand gestures pack great healing power inside them by enlivening the chakras, pranas, and kundalini.
In addition to yoga and ayurveda, scientific evidences also claim the power of mudra. The artistic hand gestures facilitate mind concentration, health restoration, and energy flow.
The mudras in ancient times have found their way to the modern world. Mudras are common during meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises).
The healing power of mudra makes it worth learning. If you want to know more about it, you’re at the right place. In this article, you will learn about the definition of mudras, its five elements, and their types.
What are Mudras?
Mudras is a Sanskrit word which means to mark or seal. Mudras are simple hand poses or gestures that help to connect spirituality with the cosmic universal energy.
To get benefit from mudras you should have focus, purpose, and dedication. The power of mudra connects you to the chakras, pranas, and kundalini.
- Parna is the vital principle that connects you with the universal energy flow.
- Chakras are the energy focal points that connect organs with nerve bundles.
- Kundalini is the spiritual energy present at the base of the spine.
Five Elements of the Universe
The whole universe is made up of Panch mahabutas (five elements); fire, water, earth, air, and space. The five fingers in our hands represent them.
The representation of each of the fingers is mentioned below.
- The index finger represents air
- The middle finger represents space
- The ring finger represents the earth
- The pinky finger represents water
- Thumb represents fire
The power of mudra emphasizes the balance of these elements. As the human body is made of the same elements thus hand gestures give true meaning to inner self and awareness.
Benefits of Mudra
Some of the benefits the power of mudra offers are stated below
- Refreshes the mood
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Gives tranquility and peace of mind
- Improves blood flow to various organs
- Gives better clarity of mind and consciousness
- Helps with spiritual awakening
- Develops better connection with the inner self
- Increase alertness and mindfulness
Types pf Mudras
Here are 5 types of mudras.
1. Jnana Mudra
Jnana mudra is also known as knowledge or conscious seal. This mudra develops better self-connection. It helps to get rid of ego-driven personality. The meditation and reflection on life and wisdom provide with pure inner self and knowledge.
It is very easy to do jnana mudra. You just need to make a circle by touching the tips of your thumb and index finger. Pinky, ring, and middle fingers are stretched and extended.
There are four pillars of knowledge to highlight the power of mudra.
- Vivek differentiates between right and wrong
- Vairagya detaches you from your inner ego
- Shat Sampat is the combination of six virtues
- Mamukshutva depicts freedom or liberation
2. Namaskar Mudra
Namaskar is made up of two words – namas (pay homage to) and kar (to do something). Namaskar is a popular traditional Indian greeting. It has found its way into the world of yoga in the form of namaskar mudra.
To benefit from the power of mudra – you bring the palms of your hand together in front of your chest. The fingers should point upwards with thumbs touching your chest. Make sure to have no gaps between palms.
Namaskar mudra is paired with breathing and meditation exercises. It helps to foster a sense of self-awareness, mindfulness, and spiritual awakening.
3. Surya Mudra
Surya Mudra is also known as Agni Vardhak Mudra or Prithvi Shamak Mudra. It focuses on increasing fire elements and reducing earth elements in the body. Surya means sun which symbolizes energy and sustenance of life on Earth.
You should fold your thumb and ring finger in a way that the tip of the thumb is on the ring finger. The rest of the three fingers are kept straight.
The power of mudra lies in providing energy to the body. The focus of Surya mudra is to increase metabolism, regulate blood circulation, and boost energy. On the spiritual side, it helps to reduce stress and combat negative energy.
4. Adi Mudra
Adi means primary or first and mudra means gesture. The inspiration comes from the primary ability of the fetus to make this hand pose inside the mother’s womb. Here, the power of mudra is to quieten and calm the mind.
In this mudra, you make a fist with your thumb tucked in the palm. Make sure to maintain some pressure from the palm and fingers.
Adi Mudra is responsible for stability and peace of mind. It has a relationship with chest health by improving oxygen supply to the lungs. It also helps in better oxygen supply to the brain resulting in brain activation and better intuitive ability.
5. Shunya Mudra
Shunya means void or emptiness. It is also known as the heavenly mudra. It deals with reducing space elements (akasha) in the body.
The main focus of shunya mudra is the middle finger and thumb. It involves folding the middle finger and placing the thumb on the first phalanx of the middle finger. The direction of the palm should be upward.
This mudra helps bring ease to anxiety, gives tranquility, reduces dizziness, and deals with hearing loss and dementia. It is also effective in thyroid disorders and tinnitus.
Conclusion
The power of mudra represented in simple, subtle hand gestures is mind-blowing. It has a huge effect on physical, mental, spiritual, and psychological well-being.
This holistic approach has proven its worth in yoga, ayurveda, and the scientific field. There are almost 399 mudras in total. You can choose the mudra type which suits your goal.
The inexpensive, easy, and useful activity is worth adding to the yoga routine. It’s a good time investment and amplifies the benefits of yoga by many folds. In the beginning, you can get help from the expert and master the skill of hand gestures.
I hope this article encouraged you to take the next step in your journey by including mudra in yoga.
For more blogs visit on our Nepal Yoga Home blog section.
by Tirtha Acharya | Jun 6, 2024 | Yoga
You might be aware of the benefits of yoga in daily life. But, if I tell you there is another approach to practicing yoga that can multiply the benefits by many folds. How does that sound to your ears?
In our busy lives, we often don’t get the time for our loved ones – which negatively affects our relationships and personal lives. This problem needs an effective and long-term solution.
Partner yoga is your ultimate solution. It not only provides physical benefits but is also crucial in strengthening your bond with your partner. You’ll experience a new level of excitement and energy in your yoga journey.
If you’re curious to know more about this – don’t worry I got you covered. This article will help you discover the surprising benefits of having a partner in yoga along with its importance and different types.
What is Partner Yoga?
Partner yoga is a yoga type that involves two people practicing together. Partner can be your friend, spouse, relative, sibling, etc.
You and your partner can motivate each other to practice more. You can help each other in improving physical postures and meditation practices. Doing yoga together also helps to get rid of procrastination and builds consistency.
Finding a partner and practicing yoga together is a true blessing. It cultivates a sense of togetherness, fosters the bond, and develops understanding.
Benefits of Partner Yoga
Here are 5 benefits of partner yoga
1. Lessens the Communication Gap
Spending time together in a healthy and productive activity develops mutual trust. You become more confident in sharing your feelings and emotions. It fills the communication gap and makes you more comfortable around each other.
When you don’t feel the real essence of a relationship – you might end up in a therapy session. But, here a simple yoga practice is doing all for you.
2. Helps in Achieving Balance
Balance in yoga can be a challenging task. You might have seen people tripping and falling during yoga sessions. If you’re on a quest to find the right balance – you might need to find the right partner for yoga.
Partner yoga helps greatly in achieving the perfect balance. Both yoga partners can help each other in balancing by practicing many yoga poses together. Some beneficial yoga exercises for balance are twin trees, extended forward leg pose, warrior 3, etc.
3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Loneliness and lack of emotional bonding leave a person in the pits of depression and anxiety. Partnership in yoga can act as a healing medicine to reduce stress and anxiety.
Research has shown the positive effects of having a yoga partner. It stimulates the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin. Likewise, it reduces stress-inducing hormones like cortisol. It has a direct effect in uplifting the mood and reducing the stress.
4. Improves Stretching and Body Alignment
One of the main goals of yoga is to prevent the body from slouching. Yoga helps in straightening body posture and maintaining shape. Different stretching exercises are very useful in meeting the goal.
You can try stretching and body alignment exercises in partner yoga. Your partner can help you in identifying areas of weakness. You can practice yoga exercises that work for both of you. Partner forward fold, partner tree pose, and boat pose can be your choices.
5. Strengthens the Relationship
Yoga also helps in fostering a stronger bond. When you get time to spend with your partner – it invokes feelings of love and care.
It can break the silence and heal the effects of unhealthy relationships. It establishes a beautiful connection between partners. Positivity has an impact on your life – it helps in achieving calm and relaxation in your personal life.
Yoga Poses for Partner Yoga
Here are 4 different yoga poses for partner yoga that you can try
1. Twin Trees Pose
The twin tree pose is an effective partner yoga poses for stretching and body alignment. You can easily perform this yoga with your partner. It’s a fun and easy yoga pose to make.
To do the twin trees pose – stand next to your partner. Keep your one leg firm by placing your foot on the ground. For your other leg, bend your knee and place your foot on the other thigh. Raise your arm straight above your head.
2. Chair Pose
Chair pose builds strength, especially in the lower part of the body, and is also good for balancing. This pose requires effort but you can do it easily with a partner.
For the chair pose, stand back to back with your partner. Slowly, transition into the chair position and support each other in maintaining balance. You can also pair some breathing exercises with a chair pose.
3. Temple Pose
This partner yoga pose is crucial for opening up your shoulders, arms, and chest. It helps with stretching and alignment of different body parts.
Stand opposite to your partner at some distance – keep your feet wide apart. Raise your arms and fold forward towards your partner. Grab each other’s hands in such a way that both of your elbows and arms align with each other.
4. Buddy Boat
The buddy boat yoga pose helps stretch the lower body and strengthen the core muscles of your body.
Sit opposite your partner at a half-leg distance. Hold the hands of your partner. Raise your legs towards each other and join the soles of your feet. Look upwards and adjust the position in a way that stretches your lower back.
Conclusion
A stressful life routine needs short breaks every day. Yoga can become a break from the hustles of a chaotic life. It can also make you spend more time with your loved ones.
Partner yoga offers you the benefit of balancing work and personal life. It provides you with emotional support, lessens stress, and strengthens the relationship. Both partners in yoga become emotional support for each other.
You can become a mirror to each other and help in correcting the postures. You will feel a lot happier and healthier in life. Both partners become a source of motivation for each other.
I hope after reading the article – your next step will be convincing your partner to start yoga from tomorrow.
For more blogs visit on our Nepal Yoga Home blog section.
by Tirtha Acharya | Jun 2, 2024 | Yoga
Advanced Yoga Practitioners
We aim to reach the advanced level when we start yoga. It takes time to develop expertise and master your muscles and brain to get to that stage.
Many people lose motivation and feel discouraged as they advance in the yoga journey. If you feel intimidated – it means there is a mistake in the approach and mindset.
Practice makes a man perfect. The same principle applies to yoga training. You need a proper plan, guidance, and good company to get you on this life-changing journey.
Advanced yoga practice gets easy with beneficial tips. If you want to be called an advanced yoga practitioner – follow the tips in the article and see success.
Before learning tips, first dive into the meaning of advanced yoga.
What is Advanced Yoga?
Nowadays, the term advanced yoga is very shallow. A person who can do complex yoga poses is considered an advanced yoga practitioner. Advanced yoga is not a race to win but a lifestyle to adopt.
The real essence of advanced yoga is to be fully aware of yoga practice. You feel a sense of tranquility and calmness as you step into the yoga mat. All three aspects of yoga (physical postures, breathing movements, meditation) align perfectly.
Advanced yoga makes you physically strong and flexible. It teaches you how to cope with difficult life circumstances – and gives you mental peace and stability.
Tips for Advanced Yoga Practitioners
Here are 8 beneficial tips for an advanced yoga practitioner.
1. Break Down the Complex Yoga Poses
Advanced yoga poses are intimidating and take years to reach perfection. It needs physical strength, flexibility, smooth movement, and awareness of the soul and mind.
When students go through a difficult lesson – the teacher advises them to break the lesson into chunks, understand, and learn. The same technique goes for complex yoga poses.
You can break the yoga pose into different components and focus on one element at a time. Take it as a puzzle and assemble the parts one by one. Practice forward bend, stability, leg twist, and weight shifting techniques separately to master the yoga pose having these elements.
2. Hold Poses for Longer
Advanced yoga practitioners not only practice yoga poses but are also aware of the technique to hold them for longer. The benefits of remaining in the same positions are better alignment, enhanced stability, improved focus and concentration.
Set a goal to hold a yoga pose for a few seconds and then increase the period with time. Push your boundaries and strive towards continuous progress with each passing day.
You will find yourself more relaxed, energized, and focused during yoga sessions. Time factor is crucial for physical, mental, and spiritual aspects.
3. Use Props Creatively
Advanced yoga practitioners don’t hop directly into difficult asanas. Rather, they practice with the help of props. Props can be your best friend in yoga as they help you reach your goal with ease and comfort.
Examples of different props are blocks, straps, pillows, blankets, knee pads, chairs, wedges, etc. These props give flexibility, activate muscles, and help in alignment.
These props also save you from physical injuries by providing support to the body parts. You can meditate for a longer period using props. The relaxation and comfort will bring out the true meaning of yoga in daily practice.
4. Supplement Yoga Practice
Yoga done on a yoga mat only for half an hour doesn’t give much benefit. It is a practice that stays with you all day long. Make your planner and add things that supplement the yoga practice.
A balanced and nutritional diet is necessary for a healthy and active mind and body. Supplementing yoga practice with gym exercise for enhanced muscles and increased flexibility is a great decision.
You will see these elements in the life of an advanced yoga practitioner that supports yoga exercises. It ensures that your body stays fit and you achieve a perfect balance in life.
5. Embrace your Mistakes
One of the main habits of an advanced yoga practitioner is learning to embrace mistakes. You may trip and fall into injury many times during practice. Self-confidence is the key that gets you going.
You need to get up and come back stronger every time. Analyze your deficiencies, work toward them, and seek improvement. Take guidance from teachers and senior students, read books, and understand the essence of yoga.
You shouldn’t feel offended and embarrassed when someone points out a flaw in practice – take it as a learning opportunity. Yoga teaches humbleness by cultivating the sense of acknowledging mistakes.
6. Learn about Traditional Yoga
Modern yoga has simplified things and turned yoga into a physical exercise. The true values and essence of yoga aren’t there anymore.
However, it’s crucial to restore the traditional practices to bring liveliness to the yoga routine. Advanced yoga practitioner always seeks knowledge and find ways to incorporate real teachings into their practice.
There are different resources i.e., books, journals, and articles that emphasize on the importance of traditional yoga to restore old practices.
These simple teachings will change your perspective of life. Your body, mind, and soul will be more aware of the healing effects of yoga.
7. Give Yourself Time to Heal
The advanced yoga poses can lead to fatigue and sore muscles. Poor posture or lack of practice can cause muscle injuries. Our body needs time to heal and build endurance.
The pain in the body dulls the willpower to do yoga consistently. The practice shouldn’t be a burden – enjoy it and fully embark on the journey.
One of the most valuable advice you might hear from an advanced yoga practitioner is to take a rest. Having quality sleep gives enough time for the body to relax. You should do challenging yoga poses on alternate days.
8. Make Suitable Adjustments
You might see advanced yoga practitioners come up with new techniques and poses. If you assume that you have to copy the exact posture shown in a video – you might be considering the wrong approach.
Everybody has different strengths and flexibility. For some people, a particular yoga pose is a piece of cake, while for others it seems impossible.
You don’t need to imitate others – take inspiration and make changes that suit your style. Understand your physical, spiritual, and mental state and do what works best for you. Learn modifications and apply them to maximize your experience with yoga.
Conclusion
Advanced yoga gives you physical strength, emotional stability, and a peaceful life. Adding yoga to a health routine is one of the best decisions. It increases mindfulness and serves as therapy after a long tiring day.
Some people don’t fully understand advanced yoga. It is important to know the importance and right approach to appreciate the benefits. Aligned physical movements, relaxation, meditation, and breathing movements cover aspects of your health.
Advanced yoga looks like a challenge to many people. However, there are many tips to make the practice fun and easy. I hope this article elevates your yoga experience with the help of tips.
For more blogs visit on our Nepal Yoga Home blog section.
