contact
206.925.YOGA
 |
 |
 |
|
||
 |
|
 |
|
||
Benefits of Yoga Practice
There are many descriptions on the benefits of Yoga. For me, the “benefit” of yoga is important for goal orientated practitioners. The yogic path is the Bhakti* path. One learns to understand that we do the best we can, and offer without any expectation. If a yogi can come to this point of realization, then the practice is no longer about reaping the result, but it is about trying to understand where you are on this path, and what you have to do to take it to the next level.
Here are some generalizations of the tendencies that reflect the level of practitioners. Note that these effects or benefits do not always follow in order. Everyone is unique and sensitive in his/her own way; therefore a person’s spiritual growth is never a linear or two-dimensional. An individual may experience effects simultaneously and in a nonlinear fashion.
*Bhakti = devotion
Initial (Physical) Benefits
Increases energy, flexibility, and balance
Rejuvenates glands and internal organs
Strengthens the immune system
Alleviates pain and illness
Eliminates and flushes toxins
Releases stress
Mental clarity -supports focused thinking
Nourishes pranic (vital) energy—Promotes self-healing on deep level
Awareness of Breath
Therapeutic effects
Gain self-confidence
Balance right and left brain
Work through traumas and addictions
Become interested in holistic healing
Bring balance and benefits for special needs (adults/children)
Heightened awareness
Pursue holistic life style
Recognize energetic level
Perceive Chakras
Know conscious level
Apprehend intellectual level
Better Control
Work with complex asanas in Raja yoga practice, & Find that pranayama, bandhas, drishti, visualization and mudra have become second nature
Pursue regular purification practices
Control sense, emotion, reaction to distractions
See through that which is transitory
Attempt to move beyond pre-existing habits and limitations
Desire to Evolve
Become more interested in inner practice (energetic practice, dream yoga, meditation etc.)
Follow Dharma as revealed in Rama (Ramayana & Yudhishthira (Mahabharata) characters)
Help others and share knowledge with others
Help the community and environment
Respect and forgive others as brothers and sisters
Strive to live a sattvic life
Grow more in tuned with Bhakti or Jnana yoga
Find a deeper connection with the divine
Understand that the mind is in the heart
Level of conscious transformation
Gain a strong sense of life’s preciousness
Find a deeper connection to Dharma
Reflect a sense of peace and serenity
Develop the ability to intuit the symbolic teachings of ancient texts
Refer to Yama and Niyama as principals of daily action
Become interested in Karma resolution/Extend compassion to all beings
Gain inner clarity and expansion and learn to receive wisdom from the divine
Develops a daily ritualistic offering as the theme of one’s life (Japa and Tapas)
Longing for Oneness
Smell the sweet fragrance in each breath, sees goodness in all and possibilities in everything (Ananda)
Realizes Brahman is in the heart and this consciousness is a constant inner mantra (Brhaman Bandha / Ishvara Pranandhani / the Kingdom of God is within you)
Most comfortable in nature and solitude
Sees and feels others as his/herself (empathy)
Becomes a living sacrifice—understands h/she can only be a Yogi by the grace of the Supreme
Seeks silence
Grows in meditation
 |
|
