| What is the Point of Yoga Poses? | | | | yoga and like the idea of it being a pathway to self |
| There are different theories about the point behind | | | | realization and use it as part of their spiritual practice - |
| Yoga poses and these theories depend a lot on the | | | | with the other benefits being attractive but not the |
| Yoga approach and reason for doing Yoga that the | | | | point of the practice for them. They will tend to |
| student brings. Today Yoga is used mainly for fitness | | | | emphasise the meditation aspect of Yoga and use the |
| and it works very well at that level. However the | | | | postures as a way to help them focus and master |
| original purpose of Yoga was as part of a series of | | | | their minds as they concentrate only on the asana as |
| things the yogis and monks did to help them achieve | | | | they do it. Often these students will also be interested |
| self realisation. Quite different to the intention behind it | | | | in holistic treatments and energy work on the body |
| now! | | | | and see it as all part of a way to link with something |
| However the point of the yoga poses also varies | | | | 'higher' or 'greater' as they go about their daily lives. |
| according to what the teacher or student want from | | | | These students tend to be seekers and very much |
| the practice. It is true that fitness is a strong driver | | | | enjoy the journey a well constructed yoga session can |
| these days as we learn more and more about what | | | | take them on physically, emotionally and spiritually. The |
| the body needs to keep well and strong into old age. | | | | calm that descended as they are involved in the |
| However for many students it is more the capacity of | | | | practice gives them a chance to become aware of |
| yoga practice to deliver a calm mind and reduced | | | | things that were lying just out of reach of their |
| anxiety that is the attraction. The poses and the | | | | consciousness. |
| breathing patterns that go with each pose can help to | | | | So if you are thinking of taking up yoga, or are already |
| bring about a profound change in a person's emotional | | | | involved in it, have a think about why you do yoga and |
| wellbeing and that is a very valuable benefit. The toning | | | | ask yourself if it is working for you, or whether you |
| of the body that will also accompany this is a | | | | want to expand the practice to include other elements |
| welcome bonus, but not the point for these students. | | | | I have listed above. Your yoga teacher is always a |
| They attend classes as part of their stress | | | | good person to talk to about these things and they |
| management routine and get a great deal of help. | | | | may adjust the class a little to accommodate your |
| Other students are attracted to the ancient use of | | | | intentions too. Enjoy! |