Swami Vivekananda, an Indian philosopher, tours the United States and Canada towards the end of the eighteenth century to promote his unique philosophy. He called it Asana but most people know it better as yoga. The philosophy immediately appealed to numerous people and today Asana is practiced in every country all over the world and by people from all cultures and backgrounds. In order to learn how to practice yoga Ann Arbor MI enthusiasts can get going after just one or two classes.
Despite the popularity of Asana, many people still have a misconception about what it is actually all about. There are those that think that it is nothing but a collection of bodily poses and stretching exercises. Then there are those that think that it is some form of religion originating from the East. None of this is true. Asana is not a religion but a philosophy that aims to improve the body, the mind and the spirit.
Asana does involve stretching exercises and bodily poses, but these are only used as vehicle to focus the minds of practitioners and to help them to improve their concentration. There are different styles of Asana ranging from a version that requires physical strength and fitness to versions that focus much less on the physical side and more on the spiritual issues and the expansion of the mind.
Asana can easily be practiced by entire families. This is because classes are mixed with some members more experienced, others only beginners, some older people and some very young ones. Nobody is ever compared with another practitioner and there is never any form of competition. There is also no schedule according to which practitioners have to master new poses and exercise. Everyone progresses at his own pace.
There have been numerous studies focusing on various aspects of Asana. One thing is certain and that is that Asana holds many health benefits. It improves the flexibility and physical strength of practitioners. Those with heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes benefit in particular. It has also been proven to be an excellent aid in the treatment of depression, anxiety and other mental disorders as well as those struggling to concentrate.
Taking up Asana does not involve the purchase of costly equipment or special clothing. It can be practiced anywhere, even in isolation at home. Experienced practitioners advise that beginners should consider joining a class, however, even if just for a short while in order to learn the basics from an experienced practitioner. Anyone can take up Asana, even physically disabled people, those with mental disorders, the elderly and even young children.
Many beginners struggle to find a style of Asana that suits them. The best solution is to become a member of a studio that offers classes in several styles. After a little bit of experimenting it should be much easier to choose a specific style. There are also many websites that provide valuable information and that even allow users to post questions. Some websites even offer video lessons.
The immense popularity of Asana all over the world is not surprising at all. It is not risky in any way and it offers numerous mental and physical benefits. Practitioners improve their concentration levels and they are better able to focus on the inner self.
Despite the popularity of Asana, many people still have a misconception about what it is actually all about. There are those that think that it is nothing but a collection of bodily poses and stretching exercises. Then there are those that think that it is some form of religion originating from the East. None of this is true. Asana is not a religion but a philosophy that aims to improve the body, the mind and the spirit.
Asana does involve stretching exercises and bodily poses, but these are only used as vehicle to focus the minds of practitioners and to help them to improve their concentration. There are different styles of Asana ranging from a version that requires physical strength and fitness to versions that focus much less on the physical side and more on the spiritual issues and the expansion of the mind.
Asana can easily be practiced by entire families. This is because classes are mixed with some members more experienced, others only beginners, some older people and some very young ones. Nobody is ever compared with another practitioner and there is never any form of competition. There is also no schedule according to which practitioners have to master new poses and exercise. Everyone progresses at his own pace.
There have been numerous studies focusing on various aspects of Asana. One thing is certain and that is that Asana holds many health benefits. It improves the flexibility and physical strength of practitioners. Those with heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes benefit in particular. It has also been proven to be an excellent aid in the treatment of depression, anxiety and other mental disorders as well as those struggling to concentrate.
Taking up Asana does not involve the purchase of costly equipment or special clothing. It can be practiced anywhere, even in isolation at home. Experienced practitioners advise that beginners should consider joining a class, however, even if just for a short while in order to learn the basics from an experienced practitioner. Anyone can take up Asana, even physically disabled people, those with mental disorders, the elderly and even young children.
Many beginners struggle to find a style of Asana that suits them. The best solution is to become a member of a studio that offers classes in several styles. After a little bit of experimenting it should be much easier to choose a specific style. There are also many websites that provide valuable information and that even allow users to post questions. Some websites even offer video lessons.
The immense popularity of Asana all over the world is not surprising at all. It is not risky in any way and it offers numerous mental and physical benefits. Practitioners improve their concentration levels and they are better able to focus on the inner self.
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