When I first started practicing Yoga seriously, rather than just doing a few poses and leaving it at that, I had no idea how involved I would become within just a few more months. I initially took it up due to suffering from an arthritic back, which the doctors claimed could not be cured. They told me to take some pills and look for a good physiotherapist and/or chiropractor. I tossed the tablets to the trash and started eating ginger, ensuring that I had adequate rest and warmth, and started up Yoga instead.

One week after starting a routine of around twenty to thirty minutes duration, I had good feelings about Yoga. My breathing had rapidly increased in depth and length, and my body felt in much better shape. Now, around ten months later, I am looking back at how I gradually progressed beyond just exercises and breathing techniques, into the Yoga lifestyle.

I followed a set of asana from a book, creating my own personal routine after testing out which postures felt right and would suit me and my body. I soon started to get excited about the results and wanted to find out much more about Yoga. I began by checking out various websites and searching for the original texts from which Yoga originated. I spoke to my friend, read around a dozen library books concerning Yoga, and signed up for a couple of Yoga newsletters. I spent the entire winter without any pain, or even discomfort, in my back region - not even a cramp!

Recently, the friend of mine suggested I try using a Neti Pot for my sinus problems, and although I was rather lacking in expectation, practiced with a cake decorating piping set for a little while - just to see if it might work. Yes, it really cleared my nasal sinuses! I ordered the real thing. At around the same time, I started up a blog dealing with the subject of Yoga, which is already quite popular just a few weeks later. I am still reading every library book I can get my hands on, therefore learning a lot about the origins, various styles, the eight-limb path, and the various famous instructors. I realize that I have taken up a whole new lifestyle, not just a few exercises to help my bad back. There is much more to Yoga than just movement upon a mat.

I would recommend reading about the eight-limb path to anyone wishing to take Yoga further than the poses. It is a structure that deals with every aspect of your life, from your attitude and inner peace, to your posture and your general health. Information can be found online and in many books. I would also recommend reading the Yoga Sutras, which can also be found online. Yoga can be a complete lifestyle. It certainly seems to have become one for me.

Learn more about this author, Sande Waybill.
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