Yoga is the art of transformation
"Basically, every human being will be transformed, because transformation in life is important so that we will not be shoved aside." says the old saying.
What changes our lives? Does yoga change our lives? This is very possible, as almost everyone who practices yoga has been touched by its transformative power. Maybe we just feel better about our bodies. Perhaps we have experienced greater changes in our lives, relationships, and worldview. But because these changes often occur over time, as part of a subtle and organic process, it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint exactly what it is about yoga that helps us live better lives.
One way yoga encourages transformation is by helping us change patterns we've developed over time, patterns that may be unhealthy, Stryker says. When we put our body in an unfamiliar pose and stick with it, we learn how to assume a new form. Taking on these new forms with the body can lead us to learn how to take new forms with the mind.
Yoga also teaches us how to make better decisions. Everything about practicing yoga involves intention—we set aside time in the day to do it, we move a certain way, we breathe a certain way. And when we are mindful and careful in our yoga practice, we create opportunities to be more mindful and careful in our lives.
Yoga has been known for 5,000 years and has a history in spiritual philosophy in India. The main purpose of yoga is actually far from exercise. Namely 'releasing' a person's spiritual and mental strength. However, yoga is now very popular as a sport that can fight stress and anxiety problems that often plague modern society.
Apart from the spiritual aspect, the psychological health aspect is the main reason someone does yoga. We can understand why yoga is the best exercise we can do. Here's the review.
1. Reduce stress hormones
When our body is in a stressful situation, it will release a hormone called cortisol, which makes us seem 'aware' that we are in a critical situation. Unfortunately, this hormone can disrupt body functions in the long term. With yoga, stress levels can be reduced, so that cortisol production is reduced and makes the soul calmer.
2. Releases antioxidant enzymes
Various bad things that originate outside our bodies, such as pollution and unhealthy food, cause our bodies to form free radicals which are the root of many dangerous diseases such as cancer.
3. Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system
Yoga can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is crucial for calming and restoring mental balance after stress.
4. Increase the body's immunity
Yoga is known to reduce the amount of cortisol. Too much cortisol can reduce the effectiveness of the body's immune system in maintaining the body's internal systems.
5. Cure addiction
Various 'opiums' ranging from delicious foods to dangerous substances, work by releasing dopamine in the brain. Dopamine can be obtained naturally just by doing yoga.
International Yoga Day
Today, yoga is practiced in various forms throughout the world and continues to grow in popularity.
Recognizing its universal appeal, on 11th December 2014, the United Nations (UN) proclaimed 21st June as International Yoga Day.
International Yoga Day aims to raise awareness around the world about the many benefits of practicing yoga.
Yoga is more than just physical activity. In the words of one of its most renowned practitioners, the late B. K. S. Iyengar, "Yoga develops ways to maintain a balanced attitude in daily life and provides skill in carrying out one's actions."
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