The Yogic Lifestyle

A yogic Lifestyle consists of regular asana practice, pranayamas (breathing exercises), relaxation, meditation, a healthy vegetarian diet and positive thinking.

Asanas (Postures)
The Sanskrit word asana means steady pose.  A regular practice helps develop focus so that awareness and mindfulness is brought into the practice. A finely tuned and strong body promotes health and vitality, encouraging the bodies systems to work effectively.  During asana practice the whole body is worked externally and internally, the internal organs are stimulated, stretched and massaged to aid functioning.  Muscles supporting the body are stretched, strengthened and toned, reducing stress and tension, correcting posture, enhancing circulation, reducing excess body fat and promoting overall health and vitality.

Pranayamas (Breathing Techniques)
The Sanskrit word pranayama means control of vital life force.  The benefits both physically and mentally of being able to control and utilize the breath are phenomenal. 

Yoga practitioners believe that by taking control of your breath, you have taken the first step towards controlling your life.  The breath can be used to evoke deep relaxation, remove pain, and enhance meditation techniques.  Pranayamas help increase oxygen levels in the body and expand the lung capacity.

Savasana (Relaxation)
The ability to relax is not to be underestimated; so many people struggle to relax.  Life must be balanced, moments of stress and tension should be followed with periods of deep relaxation.  During relaxation the body and mind can recover, without this recovery time the body will gradually show signs of fatigue, if this becomes extreme illness may occur.  When we relax the body uses very little energy allowing mental and physical recovery.  Pranayama’s provide a focus and will aid and enhance relaxation skills.

Dhyana (Meditation)
Meditation helps strengthen the mind enabling clarity of thought and inner strength. Very often no two people will experience the same sensations during meditation sessions it is therefore not possible to universally define how one should feel when they meditate.  Developing meditation techniques and the ability to still the mind takes time and practice but has a positive effect on both body and mind.

Diet
The yogic diet is a pure one of a vegetarian or vegan nature.  Of course, you do not have to be a vegetarian to practice yoga, the important thing to remember is if you do eat meat consider the type of meat you eat, the conditions that the animals were kept in, how they have been fed and slaughtered and the effect that it has had on the eco-structure of a particular area. 

For more information on vegetarianism visit The Vegetarian Society

Positive Thinking
It is important to be positive at all times.  This will help maintain mental balance and clarity.  Many people believe that we can manifest various conditions and situations just by possessing a negative mindset.