The Art of Living through the Science of Yoga
The other day at the end of a Yoga class, both the student and I noticed a sensation of feeling taller. I have experienced this before, either after a meditation session, or after yoga practice.
As I pondered upon it I realised it was from several things - sometimes it was from releasing some old ideas and feeling emotionally light, other times I feel confident having questioned my self-limiting beliefs, at other times the spinal muscles had literally been stretched in such a way that my spine was more erect and hence there was greater flow of energy at the very core of me.
And that is what happened every other time, a greater unobstructed flow of energy took place!
What happened as a result? Well, I had greater clarity, more patience, more creativity, more compassion, more energy - there was just more of "me", or rather more energy to express as a result of the expansion that took place. I had more life to live, and more life to enjoy.
Isn't that what living is about? To fully experience life - in an unobstructed way!
See Yoga is NOT about reaching the full extent of a stretch to touch your toes. It is not about holding a pose in perfect balance in the exact way the instructor or model is showing it - no in fact it is impossible!
There are days when I can do the king dancer pose with ease, and other days I lose my balance or can't get my legs high enough. Yes, we have DIFFERENT days. Not good or bad, JUST different. WHY? Well, it could be what I ate, what I was thinking about just before getting into the pose, whether I had enough rest, or whether I was feeling mentally present. The list could go on, but I think you got the drift.
So what is Yoga then?
The science of Yoga did not start with the body. The very first chapter in Patanjali's Yoga sutras speaks of the mind. Specifically - liberating the mind. For a quick overview of the yoga sutras, read the wikipedia summary of it here
CHAPTER I - SAMADHI PADA , CONCENTRATION: ITS SPIRITUAL USES
- अथ मोगानशु ासनभ ॥् १॥ atha yoganushasanam
Now concentration is explained.- मोगणित्तवणृत्तणनयोध् ॥ २॥ yogashchittavrittinirodhah
Yoga is restraining the mind-stuff (Chitta) from taking various forms (Vrttis)
The chapter has 51 sutras, or aphorisms. The above is the first two, with the second one being most iconic in quoting the purpose of Yoga is to attain a certain state of mental mastery. Though much of this alludes to some mystical yogic state that only few can attain, the truth is the practice is in fact very much ACCESSIBLE to all. And this so called mental mastery, is NOT reserved for those who are at the end of their mid life crises and ready to accept the ebb and flow of life - it IS in fact the very art of living that is designed to carry us THROUGH life with ease, finesse and greater agency!
So how does doing a bunch of funny looking poses help us get to artful living you ask? Well let's break it down then.
1. Healthy Body, Healthy Mind
Each of the asanas (pose) in yoga takes into account the biology of the body through the musculoskeletal system, circulatory system, endocrine system, physiological connections of the organs and the central nervous system (brain). This is just the gross level of matter. We haven't even begun discussing the energy systems, elements and other subtle aspects of our being.
However, let us just look at the physical aspect of the body - it is something we can in fact touch, feel and experience directly. There is a plethora of research on the benefits of yoga. Each one will expound on its impact in individual bodily systems listed above.
Let me explain all of them using one simple asana - my personal favourite twisting pose, the Ardha Matsyendrasana known as the Half (ardha) Lord of the Fishes (matsyendra) Pose (asana).
a. Spine - Healthy back, neck, shoulders etc.
There are both large muscles and small muscles involved in keeping our spine healthy, holding our posture and holding us upright. With our lifestyle, these muscles are tired, too tight and weakened in different spots. Simple stretches can help RESET these muscles over time, by stretching the ones that need to be stretched, releasing the ones that are too tight, and strengthening the ones that are weak.
In this asana - the twist works on both the deeper and surface level muscles, the major mobilisation muscles and the smaller stabilisation muscles, the shoulder blades, arms, hands, legs, and ankles. In other words - it's a full body twist!
b. Circulation - Healthy heart and organs
The motion temporarily restricts and then increases blood flow to the area. With the combination of deep breathing - greater amounts of oxygenated blood gets pumped in, and the squeezing motion helps remove toxins and obstructions/blockages.
In this particular asana the internal organs that receive positive benefits are the lungs, heart, liver, spleen, large intestines, small intestines, stomach, reproductive organs, kidneys and bladder.
c. Endocrine system - Balance in Hormones
As the relaxation starts taking place, the stress hormones start reducing and the release of feel good hormones increases. The gland that is in charge of all of this gets activated through various, simple asanas - especially with inverted poses.
In this particular pose, the adrenal glands get a gentle massage, the reproductive organs that are rejuvenated receive more nutrients and also better flow of endocrines through the circulatory improvement.
d. Organs - Detoxification, Rejuvenation and Revitalisation
With each asana different organs are massaged, strengthened or utilised to help bring greater oxygenated blood through - this helps carry out toxins, bring in fresh nutrients, and helps with the healthy formation of new cells in that organ.
e. Brain - The organ of the mind
As the relaxation signals from the muscles are fed back to the brain, the nervous system in return switches the body to it's rest and rejuvenation mode where organs can take a break and go into rest while the others that help the body during a restful state can take place.
In this particular asana - there is a connection between a point in the brain and the stomach that prevents over exertion of the digestive process. Amazing!
f. DNA - Changing our Blueprint!
The greatest of them all has to be the sum effect through the CHANGE in our GENETIC expression of our DNA. Now that is a serious impact, as the changes now become more long lasting - enhancing our body's capacity and capability. Here are two articles of the many that read easily and discuss various scientific findings from studies in the area - article 1 and article 2
2. Building Flexibility of the Mind
As I mentioned earlier, yoga is NOT about who can reach the furthest. It is about actively trying from where we are - without judgement, and with full concentration.
We are harnessing the power of the mind through concentrated effort.
Through non-judgement, we slowly break down barriers and conditions of the mind of what is possible and what is impossible. With steadiness and dedication we see changes and breakthroughs - not just in the body, but in our mind.
Giving rise to patience, acceptance, understanding, non-judgement, focus and steadiness. In other words, FLEXIBILITY OF THE MIND.
3. Steadiness in Pose, Focus and Discipline of the Mind
As mentioned earlier - the focus comes from the mind.
As each pose is held with focus on the breath and the mind, the practice itself is meditative and brings us fully into the present moment. Creating greater depth of awareness into the body. Reaching deeper into our body to execute each asana. Observing the changes as we increase our flexibility in a simple matter of minutes.
Yes you heard me right. With the right attitude, the body is able to reset the muscle balance in MINUTES, given that steadiness and focus is practised along with it.
This conceptual muscle that we build up on the mat - FOCUS - extends beyond the mat, into our work, driving, reading, writing, listening, speaking - i.e. all aspects of our life.
4. The Eight Limbs of Yoga - Yogic Psychology
One of the earliest written concepts on the psychological and behavioural aspects of the human condition is found in the yoga sutras.
These famous eight limbs take the practitioner on a step by step guide through the art of living.
In other words - it's that proverbial life manual we've all been searching for!
It covers values, behaviour that is supportive for both our growth and helps build more positive relationships, it covers wisdom, thought processes, making choices with clarity, being in a state of balance to respond to life with openness. It helps us understand ourselves and accept the conditions and people around us with a sense of equanimity.
5. Liberation - Freedom to Be!
As a result of all of the above - we become MORE of ourselves - that is the best version of ourself. The one where our creativity is heightened, our skills are put to good use, our energy is more focused and directed with ease. To me that is the true sense of liberation.
This is how yoga, as a science, can be incorporated into the art of living, into every walk of life. Is is the very way in which we live, breathe, think and act. The best part is, it has had over 3000 years of proven efficacy!
Previous Posts of Interest:
Yoga and Leadership Series: #3 Practitioner to Instructor
How to Relieve Writer's Block using Backbends and Downward Facing Dogs!
Yoga and Leadership Series: #2 Yogini to an Entrepreneur - an Insight to Yoga and Spirituality
Yoga and Leadership Series: #1 Introduction - A Brief History of Yoga
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Thank you for posting this. I was curious about yoga for a very long time now and always tend to delaying on doing research or goggling about it. Well luckily i found this post while scrolling down the list of story. There’s no excuse nit to read now is it . Haha. It is somehow effect us internally rather than just physically right, how much do you think it’s different from “ tai-chi “?
Hi @ezandanial! So sorry for this late reply. Hope you enjoyed the nice long weekend again.
In terms of the benefits, they offer a little of similar benefits for the mind and body.
The one biggest difference I see between Tai Chi and Yoga is all the other things that come with it, the pranayama, the yoga nidra (deep relaxation) , though both have meditative effects they are slightly different, and in yoga there are cleansing techniques for the internal organs, and finally the physical benefits are a little different - I find the practice of yoga can reset the body in ways with lesser effort (practise time).
At least that is my personal observation and understanding.
Upvoted by @strongtower :)
Thank you!! Xx
Hello @kchitrah I used my social media skills to find you here on steemit after Cheryll informed me you were active in here..I just joined after months of procrastination...look forward to seeing your stuff...🙏🏽 Mark here if you hadn’t deduced that
Hey Mark,
Yes, I noticed that you were posting some Steemit blogs on Facebook! Good to see you here.
BTW, there is an awesome community here in Malaysia for steemit, where we don't just chat on discord, but also have talk shows, and live meetups and events. It's a wonderful network of people to plug in with for support and community activities.
l will send you the facebook group link, and you can ask for the discord invite from one of the administrators there.
Looking forward to connecting more with you here and in the Team Malaysia community!