Yoga Benefit for Health

 

Yoga for Health

Both, asana and meditation are pivotal parts of yoga. They both complement each other and consequently are incomplete without one another. There exist numerous misconceptions about these age-old practices and due to these false notions, one does not approach it from a correct perspective hence not leading the necessary impact. So, let us clear the confusion by busting some myths of both these forms of exercise. Onlymyhealth editorial team talked to Jenil Dholakia- A Holistic Yoga & Well-being Coach, to know about the myths around meditation and yoga.

Meditation Myths

Here are 3 common myths around meditation:

yoga meditation benefits 

 

 Myth: I have a super active mind and so meditation is not for me 

 

Fact: When it comes to meditation, the human mind is the problem but it’s also an antidote. The basic nature of the mind to produce thoughts constantly and we can’t change that. Meditation is not about putting a pause on the thoughts, but it simply is to watch them as a witness without getting involved in them. This, even if you have a super active mind, it can still be advised to practice meditation.

2. Myth: I have to sit cross-legged on the floor to meditate

Fact: Meditation can happen anywhere, anytime & by anyone. Yes, for the maximum benefits its recommended to have a straight spine, but if you can’t sit down on the floor, it’s completely all right to sit on a chair or a couch using some support. What’s important is to remain aware and alert throughout your meditation practice.

Also read: Here is how meditation can help you manage stress

3. Myth: Sleeping is ok while meditating

Fact: During meditation, one is expected to be very focused and aware in the present moment. Feeling drowsy or sleepy during meditation defeats the purpose. Drifting off to sleep is a sign of a dull mind & tired body. So, if you feel sleepy, its better to get up, walk a bit and then resume practice.  

Yoga Asana Myths

Here are 3 common myths around yoga asanas:

1. Myth: I need to be thin & flexible to practice

Fact: Yoga asanas are for all body types and there is no prerequisite for practicing it. Doesn’t matter if you are thin or fat, flexible or not, old or young, healthy or unwell – there is something for everyone to practice and benefit form it.

2. Myth: Only if I practice advance asanas, I am a good practioner

Fact: Yoga asana is not about complex postures that we often see on social media. Yoga asana is a very process-oriented practice & non-competitive in nature. Simple or an advance posture, what matters is how much awareness can you bring to your self during the practice defines how much you are progressing in it.

Also read: 7 Benefits Of Meditation: Know-How It Affects Your Mind And Body, By This Spiritual Coach

3. Myth: Yoga Asana are merely stretching exercises

Fact: Yoga asanas are not merely a work-out. Rather, it’s a work-in. The purpose of yoga asana is to eventually go beyond the physical body by developing higher awareness & consciousness. It’s a journey from the gross to the subtle.

Incorporating regular practice of Yoga asana & meditation in your lifestyle can give you many benefits on physical, emotional, mental & spiritual level. It helps to manage mental health, builds skills to deal with stress and anxiety, improves focus, attention & memory, slows cellular ageing, makes you more kind and loving, increases creativity and productivity, improves sleep quality, develops a heightened sense of self-awareness & brings more energy & vitality. So, what are you waiting for? Roll out that yoga mat and get practicing!