Redefining Yoga

If you are anything like me, this global pandemic has heightened your nerves, making it quite difficult to stay grounded. It may be causing trouble focusing during online school or work. To combat the additional stress created by extended lockdowns and COVID-19 statistics, I have taken up yoga! Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originates from India. Yoga poses are composed of movements that are designed to increase flexibility and strength with the main components of breathing and posture. Increased blood flow, protection of the spine, improved muscle strength and happiness are some other benefits from it. However, if you think yoga is just about stretching, then you’re in for a surprise.

In honour of International Yoga Day being on June 27th, let’s learn more about the real history of yoga. Over the years, yoga has been immensely westernalized. It has been known of simply just doing stretches or poses, whereas the true nature of yoga is much deeper. Authentic yogis have incorporated the ancient wisdom of yoga into every moment of their days. It is not a quick thirty minute workout. In my eyes, it is a lifestyle. Yoga is meant to help unite your body, mind and spirit, in order for you to be your optimal self. You could even adapt the ancient wisdom of yoga to your life!

There are five basic principles that all yoga disciples have incorporated into their life. They are proper exercise (Āsana), proper breathing (Prāṇāyāma), proper relaxation (Śavāsana), proper diet (Vegetarian) and positive thinking & meditation (Vedānta & Dhyāna). It is claimed that if we were to incorporate these five principles into our lifestyle, it would promote both our physical and mental health. Let’s breakdown these five concepts and see how they can be applied to our day-to-day lives.

You have most likely heard this hundreds of times, but you need to exercise! The very first principle that all yogis go by is to exercise. Now, yogis specifically do yoga poses as a form of exercise. If you are unfamiliar with any poses, feel free go on YouTube and search “yoga poses for beginners”. There are various channels, such as VENTUNO YOGA, that have step-by-step videos. When you are exercising, it is important that you are doing it properly. According to Swami Vishnudevananda, a yoga posture must be held for a period of time and slowly performed. Make sure that you are doing these postures correctly to avoid any injuries and to protect your spine.

The second principle is to be mindful of how you are breathing. Yogic breathing practices are meant to control the energy levels in the body, which ultimately influences the mind. Proper breathing decreases fatigue and increases energy levels, therefore it is important to avoid shallow breathing and raise oxygens levels in the blood.

The third principle highlights how important relaxation is, as it allows your body and mind to recharge. By recharging, the body and mind continues to function at an optimal level. One of the most difficult yoga poses is the Śavāsana (corpse pose). It is the hardest, because it requires you to completely relax your body, mind and spirit. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? Hopefully, you can agree, but my mind is usually always racing. Thinking about school, extracurriculars, Ontario’s stay-at-home order! It just doesn’t seem to stop. However, it shouldn't be that way. We cannot let our thoughts and worries consume us, as it only makes things worse. That is why I have made it a goal to master the Śavāsana, and you should too!

The fourth principle is to have a diet that allows easy digestion to promote good health. The yogic diet is a lacto-vegetarian diet, which includes foods that are non-processed and natural. There are two main differences between the typical North-American and Yogic diets. The typical diet consists of highly processed and refined foods, with minimal nutritional value. I know that eating completely natural seems nearly impossible, especially financial-wise, but you can always make small changes. I personally have stopped purchasing eggs from Costco and buy them from a local farm instead. Since I am getting them from the source, I can confidently say that the chickens consume certified organic, non-GMO feeds. Another difference is the attitude towards eating. The philosophy behind the yogic diet is to “eat to live, not live to eat”, whereas the typical attitude towards eating is completely different. In modern culture, we eat when socializing, bored or stressed. You need to eat in moderation, as too much of anything is no good. If you consume too much of certain meats or dairy, it could lead to coronary heart disease. If you repeatedly eat foods with higher salt content, you will get high blood pressure. By eating foods from all food groups, you will provide a range of nutrients and minerals. Your body will love you for it!

The final principle is to mediate. By mediating, you can control your mind. With regular practice, your thoughts will be purified and bring a state of tranquility. Say goodbye to self-doubt and low self-esteem. You are in charge of your thoughts and actions, so don’t let them limit you.

If you incorporate all these basic principles into your life, you are guaranteed a harmonious and healthy lifestyle. Now, I want to encourage you to start today! Adapt the five principles to suit you. You don’t have to be lacto-vegetarian, but do make sure you are eating clean. Research about yoga types to see what is suitable for you. Now, please be mindful of the history of yoga while using outside sources when researching. As a South-Asian, I have seen yoga become greatly culturally appropriated over the years. Please attend yoga studios that respect and appreciate the long history behind this sacred practice. Yoga is not a trend. It was not passed down for centuries for weight loss or to any other superficial purposes. Those chanted mantras and elaborate poses were made to help you connect to your spiritual self. Continue or start practicing yoga, but please help dismantle the cultural appropriation by learning more about the rich cultural significance of traditional yoga.

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Sources:

• “The Five Points Of Yoga - Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres & Ashrams - Google Arts & Culture.” Google, Google, artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/dgIClr8x6YW7Jw.