Evolve With Soumya

❇️ Vriksha – Tree; Asana – Posture Sanskrit word ”vriksha” means tree. ✅️ Benefits ➡️ Boosts the balance of the body ➡️ Tones the muscles of your legs ➡️ Stabilises your hips ➡️ It helps improve concentration and builds focus ➡️ Helps to relieve Sciatica ➡️ Strengthens your ligaments ❌️ Contraindications ❌️ Avoid doing this posture if you are suffering from: ● migraine ● insomnia, ● low or high blood pressure (those with high blood pressure may do this pose but without raising their hands overhead, as this may further raise their blood pressure). ✅️ How to do? ● Stand with the feet together and the arms by your sides. ● Bend the right leg at the knee, raise the right thigh and bring the sole of the right foot as high up the inside of the left thigh as possible. ● Balancing on the left foot, raise both arms over the head keeping the elbows unbent and joining the palms together. ● Hold the posture while breathing gently through the nostrils for about 10 complete breaths. ● Look straight and keep yourself focused on any object to ensure you stay balanced. ● Lower the arms and right leg and return to the standing position with feet together and arms at the sides. ● Pause for 30 seconds and repeat on the opposite leg. 📩 DM or Comment for Online Yoga Class! 🧘‍♀️ #hathayoga #yoga #yogabeginners #onlineyogaclass #healthylifestyle #wellness #health #yogaforlife #evolvewithsoumya

Definition of Yoga according to Patnajali Yoga Sutra and Bhagawad Gita!

The word "Yoga" comes from the Sanskrit word "Yuj," which means to unite or join.
The real meaning of yoga goes beyond just physical postures and exercise.

It encompasses a holistic approach to harmonizing the mind, body, and spirit.
Yoga encompasses various paths and practices, including:

1. Physical Postures (Asana): These are the most visible aspects of yoga and are designed to prepare the body for meditation and spiritual growth.

2. Breath Control (Pranayama): Focusing on breath control helps to balance and energize the body and mind.

3. Meditation (Dhyana): Meditation is a core component of yoga, aimed at calming the mind, achieving self-realization, and connecting with higher consciousness.

4. Ethical and Moral Guidelines (Yamas and Niyamas): These are ethical principles and moral codes that guide one's behavior and interactions with others.

5. Self-Discipline (Tapas): Yoga encourages self-discipline and dedication to the practice.

6. Study of Sacred Texts (Swadhyaya): This involves the study of spiritual texts to gain knowledge and insight.

7. Devotion (Bhakti): Devotional yoga involves surrendering to a higher power with love and devotion.

8. Knowledge (Jnana): The pursuit of self-knowledge and wisdom is another aspect of yoga.

Ultimately, the real meaning of yoga is about achieving a state of union and harmony between the individual self (Atman) and the universal consciousness (Brahman). It's a path towards self-realization, inner peace, and spiritual growth, with the physical and mental practices serving as tools to facilitate this journey. Different individuals may emphasize different aspects of yoga based on their goals and beliefs.

Five Common Myths About Yoga

1) Yoga is Only About Physical Flexibility:
One of the most prevalent myths is that yoga is solely about achieving impressive physical poses. While flexibility is indeed a component of yoga, it's just one aspect of a larger practice that encompasses mental focus, breath control, relaxation, and ethical principles.

2) Yoga is not for all:
Although Yoga is not a religion in itself, it is connected to religion, and stems historically from Hinduism, but also to Jainism and Buddhism.
However, Yoga being accepted globally as it provides an effective means to manage stress, improve physical and mental health, cultivate emotional well-being, and promote overall balance and harmony in life.
Yoga is often associated with spirituality, but it is not a religion. It's a holistic practice that can be integrated with various belief systems or followed purely for its physical and mental benefits.

3) Yoga is Only for Young and Flexible People:
Yoga is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. You don't need to be young or flexible to practice yoga. There are various styles and modifications that cater to different abilities and body types. In fact, yoga can be particularly beneficial for seniors and people with limited mobility.

4) Yoga is about Relaxation and Breathing, Yoga doesn't provide a Real Workout:
Yoga might not always involve high-intensity cardio, but it can provide a substantial workout. Many styles of yoga, such as Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Power Yoga, involve dynamic sequences that build strength, improve cardiovascular fitness, and enhance flexibility. Yin and Restorative yoga, on the other hand, focus on relaxation and flexibility.
While relaxation and controlled breathing are integral parts of yoga, the practice goes beyond that. Yoga includes a wide range of practices, including physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), meditation, ethical principles (yamas and niyamas), and more. These elements work together to promote holistic well-being.

5) Yoga is Only for Women:
The belief that yoga is only for women is a myth. Yoga is a practice that is suitable for individuals of all genders. While it's true that yoga classes might have a higher proportion of female participants, especially in some regions or styles, yoga is not limited to any specific gender.
Yoga offers numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits that are applicable to everyone, regardless of their gender. It can help improve flexibility, strength, balance, focus, stress management, and overall well-being.
The idea that yoga is exclusively for women is a stereotype that doesn't accurately represent the inclusive nature of the practice. People of any gender can benefit from and enjoy the holistic advantages that yoga offers.

It's important to approach yoga with an open mind and willingness to explore its diverse aspects, rather than getting caught up in these common misconceptions.

The term "Guru" in Yoga is derived from Sanskrit.
The syllable "Gu " means darkness or ignorance. the syllable "Ru " means dispeller.
Guru is the dispeller of the darkness called "Avidya (Ignorance)" through the light of knowledge.

Rig Veda, one of the four ancient Vedic scriptures, describes the Guru to be, "the source and inspirer of the knowledge of the Self, the essence of reality ". The Guru’s presence is unlimited, vast, infinite, and all-inclusive.

In the practice of yoga, the Guru (teacher or spiritual guide) holds immense importance and is often considered a beacon of light on the path to self-discovery and spiritual growth.

Below are the 8 key aspects highlighting the significance of Guru in the world of Yoga:

1. Transmission of Ancient Wisdom: Gurus are the bearers of ancient yogic wisdom, preserving and passing down the teachings, practices, and philosophy of yoga from generation to generation. They ensure that the profound knowledge of yoga remains untainted and unaltered.

2. Personalized Guidance: Yoga is a highly individualized practice, and a guru tailors the practice to each student's unique needs, abilities, and limitations. This personalized guidance maximizes the benefits of yoga while minimizing the risk of injury.

3. Moral and Ethical Mentorship: Beyond postures and breath control, yoga encompasses ethical and spiritual dimensions. Gurus impart not only the physical aspects but also the ethical principles and spiritual values inherent in yoga, fostering qualities like compassion, integrity, and self-awareness.

4. Alignment and Safety: Correct alignment and technique are vital in yoga to prevent injuries and optimize the benefits of the practice. A guru's expert eye ensures that students practice safely and with the right intention.

5. Spiritual Guidance: Many practitioners turn to yoga for spiritual growth and self-realization. Gurus guide their students on this profound inner journey, providing insights into meditation, self-awareness, and the nature of the self.

6. Emotional Support and Motivation: The path of yoga can be challenging, and practitioners may face physical or mental obstacles. Gurus offer emotional support, encouragement, and motivation, helping students overcome difficulties and stay committed to their practice.

7. Preservation of Tradition: Yoga has a rich history with diverse schools and lineages. Gurus play a vital role in preserving and passing down the teachings and practices of their specific tradition, ensuring the continuity of yoga's ancient wisdom.

8. Accountability and Discipline: The presence of a guru creates accountability in a student's practice. Knowing that there is a teacher to report to can inspire diligence and discipline, facilitating progress on the yoga path.

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