Yoga is not only one of the oldest and most complete systems of holistic health care, but it is also one of the most popular. Why has yoga maintained its popularity for over 5,000 years?

Practicing yoga re-aligns the physical body, the mind and the energy body (spirit). When these three aspects are harmoniously aligned we experience physical health, peace of mind and spiritual fulfilment.

Yoga began as a holistic(1) health care system more than five thousand years ago. The originators of yoga are people known as the Dravidians.(2) These Afrikan people migrated from Egypt carrying with them many spiritual practices(3). These ancient spiritual practices were integrated with Indian spirituality practices and further developed into the yoga we know today which has become popular the world over.

I have been involved with yoga for almost twenty years. My practice began as a means of stress management. I desperately needed to learn to relax and yoga’s holistic nature appealed to me. Fitness had always been important for me so stretching was not really new, in fact I was suprised how much hatha yoga (physical postures) I recognised. Yoga provided me with an exercise routine, relaxation techniques, improved concentration and a mirror through which to see my innermost self. Since my first yoga class I have never looked back. Yoga has completely transformed my life. I remain truly amazed that yoga, which is so simple and enjoyable to do, has the power to enrich life with lasting health, inner peace and spiritual guidance.

• Proper exercise

• Proper breathing

• Proper relaxation

• Proper diet

• Positive thinking and meditation

Each of these principles presents a challenge that has kept yoga alive for me, and may well explain its popularity.

1 Holistic comes from the words, whole - holy. It refers to the integration of body, mind and spirit.

2 Ra Un Nefer Amen ‘Metu Neter’ vol. 1. Khamit corp. (USA)

3 Muata Ashby ‘Egyptian Yoga’ Cruzian mystic books. (USA)

4 The Sivananda yoga centre ‘The book of yoga’ Ebury press (UK)

Excersice:

Hatha yoga is the physical aspect of yoga. It consists of numerous postures that stretch and tone the body’s muscles, tendons and ligaments. Circulation improves and tension that has been locked in the body is released. As the body bends forwards, backwards, sideways, and upside-down (headstand, handstand etc.) the joints are lubricated and internal organs massaged. This complete workout creates lasting health and longevity. Yoga texts tell us that for the first eighteen years of life we are growing. From the years eighteen to thirty five we are maintaining - that is, as cells die they are renewed. From thirty-five onwards we are decaying. The practise of yoga helps preserve the body, by prolonging the maintenance stage. Isn’t that a blessing!

What I love about hatha yoga is the challenge. When I think I have perfected a posture I realise I can always develop it further. The flexibility of my body has no limits; the more I practice the more my body responds with increased strength and ease. Yoga postures create physical discipline, graceful movement and a balanced mind. One of yoga’s main attractions is that the physical qualities extend to the mind.

Breath is life. We bring the life force into the body through the breath. We take our first breath when we are born and the last when we die. Yoga psychology believes we have a fixed number of breaths in between. How long we live is dependent on how quickly we breathe. Yoga teaches slow rhythmic breathing. Think about it for a moment. What happens when you get angry and stressed out? You immediately begin to take short, shallow breaths. According to yoga you are shortening your life. The English language refers to breathing as ‘respiration’. This comes from the Latin word ‘spiritus’ meaning spirit or life force. Again it is recognised that the life force and our breath are related. Learning to control your breath influences the very force that animates you. As you breathe more fully you recharge the body, calm the mind and learn to control your vital energy.

Increased pressures of life and stress related illness have led people to search for ways to relax. Relaxation has always been an important aspect of yoga. Yoga recognises that after exercise the body needs rest. This allows energy to flow through the body. When energy is unable to flow freely dis-ease occurs. Disease begins in the energy body, moves to the mind and eventually disturbs the physical body. It figures that if we want to prevent illness, we must learn to relax and keep the body’s energy flowing. According to yoga, the art of relaxation has three stages - physical, mental and spiritual. Deep relaxation includes: completely letting go of tension in your body; quietening the mind; and finding a place of stillness inside your self. In this stillness resides peace, knowledge and the potential for lasting health and happiness. This is the secret that yoga shares.

It is said that ‘we are what we eat’. If we overeat, we are over weight. If we eat food low in vital energy, our energy levels are low. Yoga therefore advocates a healthy, well-balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. The stomach should be half full of food, quarter full of water and quarter empty, never completely full. This aids digestion and ensures that nutrients are absorbed properly. All food should be prepared lovingly, because the energy of the cook enters the food. We all know the difference between food cooked with love and a meal that is hurriedly thrown together.

Many people are becoming vegetarian due to its health advantages. Digestive problems are often eliminated because non-animal products are easier to digest. Toxins in the body are lowered, reducing tiredness and stress. Meat is often laced with dyes to make it look attractive, hormones to fatten up the animals and chemicals thought to produce B.S.E. These toxins enter your blood stream when you eat meat. The great thing about yoga is, as you develop body awareness, you automatically choose to eat healthier food.

Positive thinking and meditation:

The ancients knew the power of thought. They harnessed thought power and used it to develop creativity, prosperity and healing. They believed in miracles and miracles happened. You know that when you really put your mind to something you can make it happen. Yoga teaches us to be positive in our thinking because if we can bring about good, then negative thoughts can do the opposite. Positive thoughts can be used to create the life we really want.

The highest aim of yoga is Self-knowledge. Meditation is the practise of sitting comfortably with your back upright, slowing your breath and closing your eyes. In front of your eyes is a black screen. On this screen you can visualise the golden light of a candle flame. As you stare at the candle, the activity of your mind begins to fade. With practice your mind becomes still, like the ripple-less surface of a beautiful lake. When your mind is completely still, you will see your true reflection. You will recognise the great gifts you have to offer the world. You will see your inner beauty and recognise an abundance of love and light waiting to embrace you. Like our ancestors before us, through meditation, we see our infinite Divine nature.

Yoga has remained popular for 5,000 years because it works. Practice yoga and it will provide you with health, happiness, wisdom and inner peace. Plus of course the physical benefits, such as weight loss, fitness, improved energy levels and prolonged youth. Yoga teachings encompass all aspects of life. You can take as much or as little from it as you desire. As we recognise our true nature we see that health is dependent on a holistic approach to life. The body, mind and spirit need to be stretched in order to achieve your full potential.

Shola Arewa Copyright, All Rights Reserved

About The Author

Shola Arewa specializes in Health and Success. She has an extensive background in Yoga, Holistic Healthcare and Humanistic Psychology. Shola is known for her calm, inspirational style developed over twenty years of helping people make important life changes. Shola is passionate about empowering people to unleash their greatness and create more success with less stress. Author of ‘Opening to Spirit’ and sought after Motivational Speaker; Shola has presented on every continent and appeared on radio and TV worldwide. Shola’s latest book is ‘Embracing Purpose, Passion and Peace’. Visit her website at: www.creatingease.com