Yoga In India
Yoga In India
Watch this yoga demo – it was filmed in India – the birthplace of yoga.
Yoga has been around for thousands of years and combines physical and mental disciplines. Someone who does yoga regularly is called a yogi.
Yoga involves the combination of physical, mental and spiritual harmony and was brought to Western culture in the 19th century by Hindu monks.
Yoga can be practiced by beginners and there are plenty of videos, blogs and books to learn from.
In India, the Ashram is a place of spiritual retreat where meditation and yoga are regularly practiced. These retreats exist to focus on spritual healing and growth. This doesn't mean sleeping in because yoga instruction may start as early as 6 in the morning.
Some spend only a few days of healing in an Ashram, while others may stay longer such as weeks or even months.
More and more kids are getting into yoga and spiritual awareness. You don't need to go to a yoga retreat in India to start learning more about yoga. Although it has only been popular in Western culture for the last hundred years or so, it has been practiced in the Far East for over 5000 years.
Yoga can relieve stress and improve blood circulation as well as flexibility. In fact, even body strength can be built in addition to flexibility through stretching. As with any new physical activity it is best to start out slow, perhaps at a local yoga class. Many attend such classes two or three times a week. Being comfortable is important, so you can wear sweatpants, shorts, leotards or other comfortable clothing.
In post-classical Yoga, proper relaxation, exercise, breathing, diet and positive thinking are emphasized.