Learn Yoga

Yoga is a system of breathing, stretching exercises, and meditation that helps the individual join with the Universal Self.  Even if you aren't a fitness fanatic you should already know that yoga is both relaxing and healthy.  There have been a number of studies that show you can lower your heart rate and blood pressure if you do yoga, and will help to suppress other body functions so that you can achieve a state total relaxation.  People of all ages can get involved as there is yoga for seniors and yoga for during pregnancy.

The meaning of yoga is to yoke or to unitu.  Anyone seeking to promote or get their health back to the best state are welcome to try a class.  It's widely beleived that yoga does a great job of cleansing and strengthening the body while allowing the mind to focus on connecting with the Universal Self.  People see yoga as being spiritual however it's not so in a religious way.

Although yoga in itself isn't a religion, there are strong links to Buddhism.  This is a fact that might surprise you:  yoga is several centuries older than Buddhism.  There have been ancient gods been shown to practice yoga in seals.  The seals were discovered in the Indus Valley which is beleived to be one of the civilizations ever to be started.  What we call India and Pakistan is what used to be this area.  The seals suggest that yoga was around before 3000 BC.

When doing yoga you will find that meditating is very much essential.  In order for you to acheive the best results, you need to stop your mind from over-thinking about life in general and focus on uniting the body, spirit, and mind.  Yoga is a common activity and you get out of it what you put into it.  So make sure you don't slack, the results will sow themselves off.

Much of yoga was taken from ancient tests called Hatha (the physical body).  There were many philosophers that enjoyed the activity and a variety of styles you could choose.  Although yoga is practiced for practical purposes, those who suffer the stresses of modern living can really benefit.  There are many exercises that cannot be done by certain people because they are too strenous however with yoga you will find it suitable for all ages and abilities.  You can sit in a chair or on the floor.  The stretching really helps the stiff muscles and the breathing helps to calm.