What does yoga mean to you?
Ask this question to 1,000 yogis, and you'll get 1,000 different answers. There are so many forms of yoga, so many schools of yoga, so many yoga styles, countless individual interpretations—and you're right in the middle of it all. It's impossible to give you a comprehensive and universally valid definition. Of course, you can base your definition on the Sanskrit origin of the word, and then you'll inevitably end up with the complex philosophical teachings. But do you have to know all the darshanas of the Indian philosophers and have completely internalized yoga philosophy to practice yoga? Do you absolutely need a teacher?
No, because your personal yoga path can be motivated entirely by your own individuality and lead you differently.
The holistic yoga view of body, mind and soul
Yoga exercises strengthen you in various ways. And the best part: your expectations of this source of strength are always in harmony with your needs! Therefore, you will intuitively choose the right approach for you. As your perspective broadens, many branches open up, and you can influence the direction of your path as a practicing yogi at any time. There is no better or worse path, just as there is no right or wrong one. That's precisely the appeal: You are completely free to find your own style.
Body-focused schools
Let's assume vitality and fitness are your priorities: In this case, your starting point is often the body-focused Hatha Yoga with its calm postures, the asanas. This includes learning breathing techniques through pranayama exercises and simple forms ofmeditation . If you want to develop further in this direction, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Power Yoga systems open up new dimensions. After you're familiar with the resting postures, you practice dynamic, flowing movements.
Traditional and classical-modern schools
Are you striving for inner and outer harmony? Then you'll be drawn to the integrative yoga systems of the yoga masters Sivananda and Vishnudevananda, or to Kundalani Yoga. Here, the spiritual component and physical training are equally important. Asanas, cleansing breathing techniques, self-awareness, meditation, and the release and direction of energies – many influences converge here with different focuses.
Meditative and holistic schools
If you want to explore your innermost being and gain self-knowledge, you can meditate with a spiritual-yogic approach. Asanas aren't necessarily required to be a yogi in spirit. Perhaps you belong more to the philosophical yogis, beyond the yoga mat and yoga class. Your path leads you to the Yamas, the principles for harmonious coexistence in the yogic sense.
Exploring your own yoga path
With every change of direction, you expand your wealth of experience. Eventually, you'll reach a place where you feel comfortable as a yogi. And whether you're looking for the bigger picture or simply want to relax and feel good, yoga offers you the valuable opportunity to recognize and practice what's good for you.
©iStock.com/byheaven
What does yoga mean to you?
by Nick on Aug 10 2023
What does yoga mean to you?
Ask this question to 1,000 yogis, and you'll get 1,000 different answers. There are so many forms of yoga, so many schools of yoga, so many yoga styles, countless individual interpretations—and you're right in the middle of it all. It's impossible to give you a comprehensive and universally valid definition. Of course, you can base your definition on the Sanskrit origin of the word, and then you'll inevitably end up with the complex philosophical teachings. But do you have to know all the darshanas of the Indian philosophers and have completely internalized yoga philosophy to practice yoga? Do you absolutely need a teacher?
No, because your personal yoga path can be motivated entirely by your own individuality and lead you differently.
The holistic yoga view of body, mind and soul
Yoga exercises strengthen you in various ways. And the best part: your expectations of this source of strength are always in harmony with your needs! Therefore, you will intuitively choose the right approach for you. As your perspective broadens, many branches open up, and you can influence the direction of your path as a practicing yogi at any time. There is no better or worse path, just as there is no right or wrong one. That's precisely the appeal: You are completely free to find your own style.
Body-focused schools
Let's assume vitality and fitness are your priorities: In this case, your starting point is often the body-focused Hatha Yoga with its calm postures, the asanas. This includes learning breathing techniques through pranayama exercises and simple forms ofmeditation . If you want to develop further in this direction, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Power Yoga systems open up new dimensions. After you're familiar with the resting postures, you practice dynamic, flowing movements.
Traditional and classical-modern schools
Are you striving for inner and outer harmony? Then you'll be drawn to the integrative yoga systems of the yoga masters Sivananda and Vishnudevananda, or to Kundalani Yoga. Here, the spiritual component and physical training are equally important. Asanas, cleansing breathing techniques, self-awareness, meditation, and the release and direction of energies – many influences converge here with different focuses.
Meditative and holistic schools
If you want to explore your innermost being and gain self-knowledge, you can meditate with a spiritual-yogic approach. Asanas aren't necessarily required to be a yogi in spirit. Perhaps you belong more to the philosophical yogis, beyond the yoga mat and yoga class. Your path leads you to the Yamas, the principles for harmonious coexistence in the yogic sense.
Exploring your own yoga path
With every change of direction, you expand your wealth of experience. Eventually, you'll reach a place where you feel comfortable as a yogi. And whether you're looking for the bigger picture or simply want to relax and feel good, yoga offers you the valuable opportunity to recognize and practice what's good for you.
©iStock.com/byheaven
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