To engage in an informed discussion on health, wellness, and fitness, it's essential to look back at historical fitness programs that predate the internet, health clubs, gym trainers, and modern training methods. Yoga, Tai Chi, and Kung Fu are among the earliest fitness disciplines, passed down through generations and schools. Each of these disciplines operates within a paradigm that emphasizes the integration of movement and breath to create relaxation rather than stress.
The yoga practices seen in many modern schools today represent only a fraction of traditional yoga teachings. Traditional yoga is not merely about physical postures; it is a comprehensive system aimed at expanding consciousness and awareness, fostering a presence of purpose, managing stress, maintaining a strong body, living a moral life, breaking free from addictive behaviors, moving away from negative thinking, caring for others, teaching positive principles, serving society, and appreciating nature and all living creatures.
This holistic approach is not typically found in team sports like hockey or basketball, nor is it often highlighted in modern gyms. Today’s yoga, especially in the West, has been commercialized to meet the demand for physical fitness. Physical fitness is often prioritized over mental fitness because it is more visible and marketable. As a result, more people are willing to invest in physical fitness than in mental health, character development, or deeper understanding of reality.
Entering a yoga school and hearing chanting in Sanskrit might feel like stepping into a different dimension. Sanskrit is the cultural and spiritual language of yoga’s origin, India. Chanting is a regular part of rituals and belief systems derived from Hinduism. In different cultures, chanting takes various forms. For instance, super fans at a baseball game chant victory songs for their team, and on Wall Street, people might silently chant to the god of money.
Yoga schools use chanting to draw attention inward, away from daily distractions and stress. Breaking down these chants in English reveals positive affirmations. Chanting might seem corny, especially if you have no cultural connection to Hinduism, and it can be off-putting if the instructor lacks understanding of mental health or relaxation. Your skepticism would be well-founded. However, considering the effects of chanting separately, it can be seen as an interesting practice. Like listening to music, chanting involves sound waves and vibrations that affect our feelings, thoughts, and body. Long-time practitioners might find chanting akin to singing a song to oneself to induce a happier state.
Relaxation is crucial for overall well-being. Regularly bringing ourselves to a relaxed state can lead to improvements in our mental and physical health. Yoga, in this context, is any positive behavior pattern that connects mind and body through the practice of breathing and meditation. Movements help focus, making it easier to meditate, though some might prefer seated meditation. Yoga is universal, with a rich history, but any physical training that develops the mind, character, and positive direction can be considered yoga.
For me, yoga encompasses my health and wellness practices. I apply its principles across all areas of my life. While I might not chant regularly, I appreciate its benefits and participate when appropriate. My wife can meditate for hours, whereas I prefer a mix of activities, like walking mindfully. Throughout the day, I focus on my breath, grounding myself, and recognizing patterns that trigger anxiety. This mindfulness practice keeps me centered and responsive rather than reactive.
To me, yoga is the union of mind and body, achieved through breathing and meditation. Movements provide a focal point for meditation, making it easier for some to concentrate while in motion. Traditional yoga students might see it as a contemplation of divine creation, akin to theoretical physicists exploring the universe’s mechanics. While my understanding of physics is limited, it connects me to a sense of divine creation.
Ultimately, yoga helps me relax my mind, become a better person, feel happier, and contribute productively to society. This is my practical application of yoga, focusing on the present moment and the breath to foster a balanced and fulfilling life.
