In the modern world, it is much easier to pay special attention to any one component of our being: body, mind or soul.
You can focus on thought processes, forgetting about your physical condition or the need to maintain relationships with loved ones, and develop spiritually. This imbalance can lead to dissatisfaction and stress, which leads to illness and anxiety.
Despite the economic and social successes achieved by mankind, the problem of increasing the vital stability of the individual continues to be an “eternal problem” and retains its relevance, and in many respects is becoming more acute today. Therefore, a way is required that would unite and bring into balance all aspects of life.
Psychology explores methods of activating the natural internal reserves of the human body, one of these methods is yoga. This philosophical teaching returns strength to the body, brings a state of peace, helps to free the mind from negative thoughts that appear due to the crazy rhythm of modern life.
The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit “yug” (in different sources yoj or yuj), which means “connection”, “union”, or “unity” “team”, “exercise”, “bridling”, “unity”, ” connection”, “harmony”, etc. Yoga is called the traditional Indian philosophy, which involves the unity of the body and spirit, which is necessary for good health.
For many people, asanas (poses) become an accessible element of yoga
which help to create a pronounced muscular relief, develop flexibility and keep the body in good shape. Special postures not only stretch the muscles, but also make breathing deeper, relieve tension and stress. The continuous cycle of thoughts stops, freeing the brain from worries, allowing a person to look inside himself in a state of peace and detachment. It is this state of meditation that is the essence of yoga.
Yoga is based on the Yoga Sutras, a collection of meditation texts written by the ancient Indian sage Patanjali. The texts of Patanjali combined many yoga traditions that existed in the 300s BC. The whole yoga practice of Patanjali is a path leading to the highest goal – ecstasy, when a person comes to understand the essence of things. This state is beyond the mind and is achieved through meditation. In addition to this main purpose, physical yoga practices provide health benefits and relieve stress, making breathing slower and deeper, allowing energy to move freely through the body.
Psychologically, yoga increases concentration, calms the brain and gives a feeling of balance, calmness and satisfaction.
But there is a difference between yoga and other physical exercises. Yoga asanas are psycho-physiological, and ordinary trainings affect only the body. Asanas help a person not only feel his body, develop muscles and increase flexibility, but also stabilize the mind and look into himself. When performing simple physical exercises, only physical precision is sufficient, while asanas require concentration of mind and body, which leads to their balance.