by Caroline Fynn

Created on: November 09, 2009   Last Updated: January 08, 2011

There are many advantages of  yoga exercise and all are conducive to physical and mental wellness. Yoga calms the mind and our energy is directed into constructive channels. With regular practice of yoga over a significant period of time, we learn to abandon selfish desires and ultimately become as one with the universe.

Benefits of yoga include:

1. An improvement in physical health and well being.

2. Emotions become balanced..

3. Concentration levels increase.

4. We gain restful sleep.

5. We become wiser.

6. Memory becomes enhanced.

7. We learn to rid ourselves of attachments.

8. We learn to live in the present.

9. We develop healthy relationships.

10. We become self disciplined.

In addition to this, very few yoga products are needed. To attend a class, it may be necessary to purchase a yoga mat and perhaps a belt and one or two yoga blocks, however, many establishments include the use of yoga products in the price of the class.

To practice yoga alone, all that is needed is loose comfortable clothing and a quiet location with enough floor space to practice the postures.

It is helpful to understand the principles involved in yoga in order to gain the maximum benefit. Yoga consists of eight stages and these include:

1. Yama - Universal Morals

2. Niyama - Self-refinement by way of discipline

3. Asana - Posture

4. Pranayama - The control of breathing

5. Pratyahara - To free the mind from the senses and external objects

6. Dharana - Concentration

7. Dhyana - Meditation

8. Samadhi - To unite with the universal spirit by way of meditation.

The ultimate goal is to unite with the universal spirit and this can be achieved when we rid ourselves of worldly attachments and therefore gain inner peace. It takes years of yoga practice to accomplish this and of course, we must all start at the beginning. It is recommended that we start by working on the two stages of yoga known as Asana and Pranayama, namely posture and breathing respectively.

The mind and the breath are interrelated; correct breathing is fundamental to achieving a quiet mind and in turn the correct posture aids proper breath control.

The practice of asana leads to physical flexibility, good balance both of the body and the emotions, vitality and physical endurance. The asanas exercise every muscle, nerve and gland and this leads to a physically strong and toned physique thus minimizing the risk of physical illness. The asanas enhance concentration, improve decisiveness and liberate the mind of negative thoughts.

Breathing during yoga practice should always be slow and deep. Correct breathing strengthens the respiratory system, it calms the nerves and we experience a reduction in stress levels.

With regular practice of yoga we become self-disciplined and we learn to take responsibility for our thoughts and behavior. We develop a deeper understanding of the foibles of human nature and learn not to apportion blame so easily; in essence we learn not to be so judgemental toward others. The founder of Iyengar yoga, B.K.S Iyengar, states "For a wrong done by others men demand justice; while for that done by themselves they plead mercy and forgiveness. The yogi on the other hand, believes that for a wrong done by himself, there should be justice, while for that done by another there should be forgiveness."

The benefits to overall health become apparent at the first session of yoga; however, continued practice is necessary to achieve and retain the desired results. The discipline is not dependent upon yoga products or by reading numerous texts on the subject. Practice is the key to success.

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