Yoga is an effective fitness and health regimen that holds the power to transform the body by giving a well-sculpted and toned look — ripped abs too is no longer a far cry for yoga.
But 20 years ago, it wasn’t the same. The yoga taught and practised then was slow and not so effective.
After spending 14 years in the Himalayas with yogis, I know yoga as the science of transformation. It has the power to change the body, mind or the whole of human life. It changes you physically by helping you lose those extra pounds and strengthen your muscles. It helps you emotionally by making you calmer and happier, and mentally by giving you more strength to deal better with challenges life throws at you.
Yoga does not make your life smooth but it does give you the strength, clarity and energy to live your life smoothly. It gives you the ability to stay cheerful and stress-free.
THE YOGIC KEY
Start now. This is all you need with your one hour of yoga, to feel the change.
STEP 1: Breathe deeply through the nose and out through the mouth, allowing the breath to seep into your belly. Make your exhalations twice the length of your inhalations. Let your diaphragm get stimulated, yet keep the chest free of stress. You will feel energy streaming in as your lungs empty the staleness and toxins, allowing you to fill the space with fresh oxygen — the key to good health, creativity and greater potential.
STEP 2: With eyes shut move your eyeballs up, down, left and right, as far as you can. This simple technique stimulates the longest wandering nerve (vagus) in the human system that holds the key to unlock amazing changes, bringing in freshness and alertness.
STEP 3: Play your favourite music whenever possible. Don’t underestimate the power of sound. It is the key to unleashing vibrations in your body that can create major shifts.
STEP 4: Get close to someone. It keeps the emotions flowing, channeling you to better health, happiness and healing.
Step 5: Keep smiling. In fact make it your permanent look because a smile triggers a rush of “happy hormones” in your blood stream.
In this series we will see the deeper aspects of yoga through simple explanations and easy-to-do moves to understand and experience how this ancient science works.
If you have questions regarding an ailment you may be suffering from or how yoga can help you overcome emotional obstacles, write to tabloid@gulfnews.com. For more information go to artisticyoga.com
