Yoga for all

Throughout the ages, the practice of yoga has evolved. In ancient times, to practise yoga was to reach a state of higher consciousness, which not everyone was able to achieve. Today, however, yoga is seen as a universal and comprehensive practice, open to all, from the newest convert to the most experienced and accomplished. Yoga can be tailored to suit each individual’s capabilities, allowing students to develop and improve at their own pace – the ultimate aim being to fully master the art of meditation to reach an “accomplished state” with body and mind united in total harmony.

The Benefits of yoga today

Yoga is not simply an exercise in stretching, it is a philosophy of life that teaches the individual how to achieve a calm mind, which in turn helps to channel energy throughout the body. The therapeutic effects can benefit anyone, regardless of age, beliefs, disposition, and physical capabilities, with results ranging from the positive to the truly remarkable.

These therapeutic effects are particularly relevant today with the ever-increasing pace of modern life. In today’s hectic world, with its many and varied demands, yoga acts as a relaxing balm, counterbalancing frantic lifestyles by quietening the mind and allowing individuals to slow down and to savour and live in the present moment.

With regular practice, yoga teaches us how to develop a greater awareness of both our physical and psychological states, which in turn increases our ability to cope with everyday stresses and situations, enabling us to step back and assess our reactions and coping mechanisms.

Today’s teachers

Yoga has become a truly versatile practice, largely thanks to modern yoga teachers. Today’s practice is all-inclusive and relevant to all types of people, whether religious, atheist, spiritual, intellectual, emotional, young, or old. This is reflected in the many popular styles of yoga available, from yoga for children, yoga during pregnancy, and yoga for sportsmen to yoga for businessmen and yoga for senior citizens.

Essentially, yoga is a complete science of humanics, dealing with all aspects of man from the physical to the psychological, intellectual, and emotional. If practised with dedication, yoga has the ability to draw out positive qualities and to lessen defects. With its knowledge of anatomy, physiology, consciousness, and conscience, yoga is a science that is able to integrate the body, mind, breath, and awareness, understanding the genuine needs of each person and dealing with every aspect of health and well-being from the periphery to the core.

Prashant S. Iyengar