5 Principles of Yoga
The common theme throughout this website is finding fulfillment and harmony of the mind, body and soul through the practice of Yoga. This ancient Indian system encompasses a variety of techniques, postures, and perspectives to guide you toward self-realization and happiness.
Below you’ll find the 5 essential principles of Yoga:
Principle #1 – The Importance of Relaxation
Relaxation is a very important element in Yoga. When you relax you are letting go of built up tension in your muscles and improving the flow of your own bodily systems, such as your nervous system, which help you achieve inner peace. Relaxing your mind and your muscles makes you feel refreshed and energized as you let your daily stresses and worries simply melt away. This “inner peace” through relaxation is carried into your Yoga exercises as well as other aspects of your life.
Principle #2 – Exercising Properly
Another important element in Yoga is understanding that your body is meant to experience movement and needs exercise. Asanas are Yoga poses and postures which combine stretching, strength building, toning, and oxygenating the muscles and tendons of your body while increasing the flexibility and durability of the spine and joints. Blood circulation improves and more oxygen is able to feed muscle tissue and organs by incorporating deep breathing techniques throughout each pose.
The stretching and movement of each pose should be guided by your breathing techniques so that the entire posture, from beginning to end, is one smooth flow. Concentration, relaxation, movement, stretching, and breathing all contribute to a whole body experience.
Principle #3 – Deep and Proper Breathing
You learn to breathe deeper and more fully using all parts of your lungs to help oxygenate your blood, muscle tissue, and organs while exhaling to get rid of wasteful gases like carbon dioxide. Most of us take short breaths and do not breathe properly throughout the day. In Yoga, deep and rhythmical breathing is necessary to be in tune with each asana.
These breathing exercises are called Pranayama, and when correctly performed will help recharge your body and calm your mind.
Principle #4 – Healthy Diet
Whether you have yet to experience the wonderful benefits of Yoga on your body and mind or are already a seasoned practitioner, a healthy diet is essential for everyone to realize full potential. When eating improperly your body, and mind for that matter, experience fatigue, sluggishness, as well as a decrease in spiritual awareness. Eating correctly will help nourish your body and mind and help avoid some illnesses like obesity and diabetes. Focus on natural foods that help keep the body strong and the mind peaceful. Avoid bad habits such as eating to deal with emotional issues. A healthy diet in Yoga also means eating in moderation and only when you are hungry.
Principle #5 – Meditation and Positive Thinking
Yoga also teaches us to free our minds from the fears and worries we carry with us during the course of the day. Thinking positively and seeing the good in people and our surroundings will help to create a peaceful mind. Meditation techniques help you remove negative thoughts giving you complete control of your mind. Positive thoughts ultimately improve your physical well being as tensions and stresses disappear.
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