Yoga for Your Life

The thought that life can be simple for many of us is a dream and a hope that we cannot afford to wait to happen. We have to make an attempt towards it. It is only in good health that our lives seem worth living. Fortunately, we have all come to realize, more than ever before, that we all have to do our part in building and maintaining our own health. This has to be done in spite of all the factors against us, such as environmental pollution, water problems, chemicals in food and many others.

Most of us realize that the simple life is normally the healthiest and that it is most advisable to eat healthy fresh, natural food. We must also avoid the processed and refined commercial products. Each of them usually contains chemicals and preservatives that we would not choose to eat – that is, if we read the label! At any rate, there is nothing as enjoyable as simple fresh food prepared in the home kitchen.

Exercise seems to be a bit of a problem but we are usually fortunate to have access to health farms and fitness establishments. These encourage exercise. Body building also encourages us to exercise, just as local walks and our Yogic exercise disciplines. However, we never seem to be able to do enough exercise as there never seems to be enough time. We have to make time for ourselves or else!

We all know that we should breathe deeply to get enough oxygen for our body cells. However, pollution makes it difficult, particularly for those who already suffer from asthma. We therefore have to practice yogic breathing exercises in the best possible outdoor situation, as it is inadvisable to practice in air conditioned environments. Yogic teachings give deep breathing and breath control top priority.

We may have forgotten to consider the importance of body posture when sitting, walking or at times of rest. However, through the practice of Yogasanas one becomes more aware that the body can only function well if the vital organs are not under constant pressure. As a result, we begin to stand tall.

So, for better health and as a simple natural health insurance program, we must consider hygiene, fresh food diet, body posture, exercise and our breathing habits. What about other factors, such as the psychological ones, which will make us happy?

In Yoga classes you learn how to relax our minds and bodies for two reasons. You become free from stresses and strains. You also enjoy a whole range of pleasant moods and feelings when you are quiet and there is nothing to do. You start to become aware of other parts of your nature that you have long neglected on account of constant activity.

Relaxing out on the floor isn't half as difficult as it may sound. In fact it becomes quite comfortable once you get used to being without mattress and pillow. As you lie there, eyes closed instead of going to sleep, you feel so calm and almost floating. In fact, it is so pleasant, you seem to be only feeling instead of thinking. Just by lying still, unmoving! It's any day better than taking sedatives.

Meditation is another form of relaxation for the mind. However we have to sit upright to do this. Some people just cannot manage to sit cross legged. In fact, not many folks can do so in a class. Then again classes have alternative positions and they are able to find one that's suitable. You'll even stop thinking about whether you left the door open, the stove on and other things that usually come into mind. You will learn to like to practice this at home.

Somehow when you are relaxed you start to feel more content. Then you start to think more clearly – in deciding what you really want with your life. Then you find you have the energy and vitality needed to go ahead and do it. In living fully, you come to realize that you are happy. It’s that simple!