Yoga has become immensely popular over the past decade, so much so that most people probably have a basic idea of what the practice entails. But with a history that spans thousands of years, there’s probably a bit more to the art of yoga than you might think.
In this article, yoga instructor Dylan Celli will catch you up to speed with this ancient practice and all of the amazing benefits it has to offer.
The Origins of Yoga
While many of us have been familiarized with yoga through pop culture and by the various yoga studios that you can now find in any given city or town, its practice can be traced back over 5000 years to the northern Indian civilization of Indus-Sarasvati.
While the details of all of the forms of yogic practice that have existed from then until now can vary significantly, the basic tenets of the art have mostly remained the same.
Yoga focuses on two major things – postures and breathing techniques. Postures are certain body positions and movements intended to develop strength, increase flexibility, and improve balance. Breathing techniques are intended to bring focus and clarity and to foster a stronger connection between mind, body, and spirit.
What yoga teaches is that not only are these three aspects of ourselves — the mind, body, and spirit — different parts of the same whole, but we as human beings are all different parts of the same whole. Regular yogic practice can make you feel more connected with yourself, your peers, and the universe.
The Benefits of Yoga
Below are just a few of the benefits you can enjoy when you begin practicing yoga regularly:
- Improved strength and balance
- Improved flexibility
- Relief from arthritis symptoms
- Relief from back pain
- Boost in energy and mood
- Stress reduction
- Increased mindfulness
- Better sleep
Yoga can also help you gain a stronger sense of self-confidence and better self-discipline, and it can connect you with a community of supportive and like-minded individuals. Many feel that it gives them a greater sense of spirituality and connectedness with themselves and with others.
How to Get Started
If you think that yoga can help inspire positive changes in your life, you’ll be happy to know that it doesn’t take much to get started.
You may feel self-conscious about beginning something you have no experience in, but remember that that’s actually a good feeling. That discomfort is the beginning of personal growth.
Keep in mind, too, that just about every yoga community is incredibly welcoming and supportive of newcomers. Not only that, but you can get started in your own home if you’d like to build confidence on your own.
There are a ton of resources online that can begin to guide you on your journey, and all you really need is a little room to work and some comfy clothes. Once you’re ready for an in-person experience, look into some beginner classes. Just one or two sessions can be enough to form a pattern that can change your life.
Who Is Dylan Celli?
Dylan Celli is a yoga instructor, fitness trainer, and life coach who specializes in leading people towards inner perfection by helping them achieve outward gains. Dylan primarily focuses on high-end clients: executives, athletes, and industry leaders by applying a progressive, goal-oriented strategy that improves self-confidence and inner peace.
Erik Jackson has been a senior editor at Health News Tribune for three years. Fluent in French and proficient in Spanish and Arabic, he focuses on diseases and conditions and the newest trends in medicine.
