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Becoming Yoda with Yoga

“You want to know the difference between a master and a beginner? The master has failed more times than the beginner has ever tried.” – Yoda. While many aspire to be as worldly and wise as Yoda, short of living in outer space, there are more Earth-bound practises which could bring you closer to harmony than you think, such as Yoga.

Yoga has gained significant momentum over the past decade as more scientific studies have verified its positive benefits on the human body and psyche. Not only does it teach body related mindfulness through focus and concentration, it also creates a space for personal meditation. Through participation in this spiritual exercise, a person can begin to connect with his/her body in a more direct way, stepping outside of the normal busy-ness and stress of everyday life.

What does it do?

Yoga has been documented as providing countless psychological and physical benefits. Indeed, the overarching purpose of yoga is to create strength, awareness and harmony within the mind and body. Some of the major positive outcomes from regular and challenging yoga practise include:

• Improved flexibility
• Better sleep
• Stress relief
• Improved immune system
• Tension release
• Lowers blood sugar
• Boosts concentration
• Increases self-esteem
• Eases pain
• Improves emotional relationships

Dating back to 3,000 BCE yoga is one of the oldest forms of physical and mental exertion which focus on harmony and balance. Designed to surpass the limitations of the mind, yoga is a great way to refocus your thoughts and break the boundaries of modern life.

Types of Yoga

With more than 100 different kinds of yoga, be they intense or relaxing, there is bound to be a form of it which you would enjoy! The following are the more popular types which enjoy an immense following:

• Hatha:
  The form most often associated with yoga, it combines a series of basic movements with breathing.
• Vinyasa:
  A series of poses that flow smoothly into one another.
• Power:
  A faster, higher-intensity practice that builds muscle.
• Ashtanga:
  A series of poses, combined with a special breathing technique.
• Bikram:
  Also known as “hot yoga,” it’s a series of 26 challenging poses performed in a room heated to a high temperature.
• Iyengar:
  A type of practise that uses props like blocks, straps, and chairs to help you move your body into the proper alignment.

So whether you prefer to relax or challenge your muscles, there seems to be a plethora of options to choose from when it comes to this calming exercise. Perhaps it’s time to challenge your inner-self and become the Yoda you always knew you were, one that balances the harmony of mental health and the strength of physical exertion; “Do or do not. There is no try.”