Yoga Unlimited

Today we are all attached to modern communication devices, responding instantly to calls, texts, alerts and prompts.  We multitask so much at work and at home, moving quickly between events and activities.  A culture of “busyness” has emerged and we have become detached from our authentic self. As human beings, we do not live only at the physical level. We also dwell at the mental, emotional, interpersonal and spiritual levels.

Yoga is like oxygen for the human spirit. As long as you can breathe and move, you can do yoga. It recalibrates the human system. Many people punctuate their day with a yoga practice to return to their centre and refocus their thoughts. It is good therapy for the body and the mind. Yoga is one of the best gifts that you can give to yourself.

How Yoga Works

1. Yoga strengthens and streamlines your muscles.
   • During yoga practice, you work your entire body.
   • You build strong, lean muscle tissue.
   • You achieve a lean, firm body shape instead of short, tight, bulky muscles.

    

2. Yoga stimulates your glands and builds your immune system.
   • The physical postures improve the functions of your internal organs and glands.
   • Twisting poses, inversions and forward/backward bends stimulate the endocrine system.
   • Postures like “shoulder stand” and “fish” help to regulate the thyroid gland.

    

3. Yoga enhances your flexibility.
   • The stretches increase your range of movement.
   • Muscles and joints become less restricted.
   • You feel more energetic because yoga practice increases the levels of oxygen in your blood and brain.

    

4. Yoga relaxes your mind.
   • The slow stretches and deep breathing clears your mind and increase your concentration.
   • You become more relaxed and cope better with daily concerns.
   • Holding the postures builds positive self confidence.

Photo by Mike Yarske from the book Breaking Coconuts.