by Toni McKilligan

Created on: May 02, 2008

One class with a good teacher is all it takes for many newcomers to see that Yoga asana is more than just another type of exercise. It has the power to be transformational. For those who are ready for this transformation, Yoga offers deep and lasting benefits in all aspects of life.

The physical body is strengthened, toned and becomes both relaxed and energized. Through progress in the practice of Yoga asana the joints become stabilized, the muscles become lean, flexibility increases and inner organ function improves. As with all types of physical exercise, practitioners often reach a plateau state where progress seems to stop. This can be a sign that it is time to move on to more advanced and challenging postures. It can also mean that other aspects of being need to catch up to the physical growth already achieved. For example, the practitioner may be experiencing a mental or emotional block that needs to be gently worked through before further advancement can happen.

It is not uncommon for practitioners of Yoga asana to suddenly experience emotional releases during a Yoga class or private workout. Without warning, they burst into tears or start to laugh uncontrollably. Waves of anger or grief or even pure blissful joy can rise up and overwhelm an unsuspecting Yogi. Far from being detrimental, emotional releases are a benefit of Yoga asana. They are a clear sign that the energy channels are opening and clearing. Once the release happens, further physical advancement often ensues.

On the mental level, Yoga asana deepens concentration, opens creative channels, helps to improve memory, and increases self-esteem. Studies have shown that students who practice Yoga asana show and increased capacity for learning and for retaining what they learn. Yoga programs introduced to the workplace have resulted in increased productivity, lower absenteeism, and generally elevated staff morale.

Even without intending it, many practitioners of Yoga asana find themselves growing spiritually as well. This is not necessarily a religious phenomenon. Rather, practitioners have discovered themselves to simply be more loving, kind, generous, patient and forgiving in general. They feel good about themselves and this is translated into feeling good about others. They become more thoughtful in how they deal with problems, people and events in their lives.

Being a relatively new branch of Yoga practice and philosophy, Yoga asana was originally developed to prepare the body for the rigors of meditation. While it fits in so well with the Yogic life-style and does indeed make meditation an easier process, Yoga asana can also stand alone as a holistic practice separate from, and advantageous to, personal beliefs. True healing happens on the sticky mat.

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