Our first priority in life must be good health. If you have ever been ill in any way, then you understand how debilitating that can be for you. Good health is very important in determining both material as well as emotional and indeed spiritual satisfaction. But what is yoga? Yoga is an integral system bringing good health to our body and mind as well as bringing a deep contentment with oneself no matter your culture, religion, race or sex. Yoga is designed for all of humanity to develop the self, heal the self and care for the self and others.
The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit root word yuj which means ‘to yoke” or to join together. This merging principle can be seen throughout yoga be it in the simplest yoga posture (asana) or hand gesture (mudra) or at the deepening and deepest levels of oneself and the universe. It is a process of purification and unity with the universal mind. A person who practices yoga can be one who cultivates steadiness of mind. Steadiness of mind is difficult to achieve when one’s body, mind or heart is ailing.
There are many ways to practise yoga and in India where yoga originated there are many schools of yoga imparting different ideas and philosophies. There is no right or wrong way to practice yoga, the main thing is that you practise. Be it from a simple starting point where you sit down on the floor in a quiet place, stretch your body and infuse your body with mindfulness and integrate your whole being.
Anyone can practise yoga.
You do not need to be part of a religion or a society or even have any spiritual leanings at all. All you need to do is have a deep and abiding interest in your wellbeing.
There are four main types of Yoga:
Jnana Yoga (intellectual approach)
Listening to the teachings, contemplation on the true and deep meaning of the yogic texts and meditating on that very essence.
Raja Yoga also called Ashtanga Yoga (mastery of the mind)
Raja yoga is known as the Royal Path of controlling the thought waves, which leads one to self-realisation, or Samadhi. According to the great sage Patanjali (Yoga Sutras, 200 BC), regulating the thought waves leads to steadiness of the mind (Samadhi or self realisation), which is the final stage of spiritual discipline. Raja Yoga is also called Ashtanga Yoga because of its eight ‘limbs’ or steps, which are Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi.
Bhakti Yoga (the path of love and devotion)
The practise of pure Bhakti (devotion) melts away the individual ego and brings universal realisation. Bhakti Yoga is suitable for any temperament, but it is especially good for those with an emotional nature.
Karma Yoga (the path of selfless service)
In Karma Yoga one dedicates himself or herself to the universe. All actions are done whole-heartedly and without expectation of the fruits of the service.
Hatha Yoga (the Yoga of skill and perfection)
Hatha Yoga is the practical aspect of Raja Yoga. The five methods used in Hatha Yoga to attain perfection of body and mind are practise of Asanas (postures), Pranayama (breathing exercises), Kriyas (cleansing techniques), Bandhas (energy locks) and Mudras (certain postures or gestures).
Yoga has become a universal language of spiritual exercise, crossing many lines of culture and religion.
Yoga has proven effective for deep relaxation, reducing stress and improving, even healing our physical, emotional and mental lives.
Yoga on our Deep Cleansing Juice Detox Retreats
Yoga can actually provide the same benefits as any well designed exercise programme, increasing general health and stamina, reducing stress, and strengthening and balancing all parts of the body. We teach yoga as part of our transformational, detox and cleansing retreats. Along with our cleansing raw juices, Ayurvedic medicinal drinks, body work and healing work, these really clean up the body and the mind, flushing out the toxins and reset a person's health in a very short space of time.
Also see Yoga as a tool to develop consciousness.