Skip to main content

Yoga: Union of my inner self with my innate being

 I am naturally a very impulsive person it takes a second to infuriate me on anything which is trying to tell me the opposite of my thought process, on the other hand I am very empathetic and I have this innate quality of being a nurturer. Is it possible to have these diametrically opposite attributes to be present in an individual? Does that make me a hypocrite?

As a human being we have the ability to possess all kinds of traits however it is upon us to control which behavior is working for us and which one is functioning against us.

It’s as simple as deciding which clothes to buy or which food to eat? As long as we know our body type and we know which attire complements/attenuates our persona likewise when we know which food will not ruin our digestive system and benefit us as compared to unhealthy indulgence which will only provide us with momentarily dopamine rush but empty calories.

To be truthful there is only that one hour of the day where I feel I am completely attuned with myself and that is my ‘work out’ time.

And the post work out cool down yoga stretches is when I am actually relaxed and that’s when I genuinely feel control over my entire being which I was talking about earlier.

In today’s stressful fast pace life it’s actually required for us to make time for us to meet ourselves and no that certainly can’t happen while watching Netflix and shopping. I know it’s going to make you feel better but that would be temporary pleasure and as soon as you get back to the reality Ahh! Your pulse rate and blood pressure will start to rise again and you will find yourself in that similar agitated state.

It doesn’t matter what your state of mind is, stretching can help in your daily life like wonders and it mostly involves certain yoga asana which help your muscles to relax and avoids sprains and spasms subsequently increasing your agility and endurance.

I am literally short of words to describe the advantages of sun salutation (surya namaskar) it includes series of various asana which is extremely beneficial for your overall body health. 

I personally recommend performing it at least once in a day with 2-5 reps either in the morning or in the evening.

For now let me share few of my favorite asana which have remarkable benefits on our overall health and fitness.

Bhujangasana (The Cobra pose)

This is an integral cool down stretch after every strenuous workout routine.

It releases the tension in the lower back and completely stretches the entire spine from the neck all the way to lower spine.

It relaxes all three groups of muscles of the back.

It aids in digestion.

It increase the circulation in the body

It stretches chest and lungs hence it is excellent for people suffering from asthma.

However, it is contraindicated during pregnancy, post recent abdominal surgery and hand and wrist fractures.

 

Adhomukha Savanasana (The downward dog pose)

This asana completely relaxes your agitated mind

It stretches your shoulders, arms, forearms, hamstrings, calves, arches and flat feet.

It energizes you and relieves tension

It stimulates your mood and controls your blood pressure and breathing

If trying for the first time: keep a chair or a small heighted table in front of you and place your arm firmly on it instead of the floor and stretch the entire body in a way that your hips are the top most part of your body.

It’s contraindicated for people who have major knee or spine injuries.

 

 Balasana (Child’s pose):

This asana is the most adored yoga stretch in all ages.

It is great to relax your mind.

One can do it with their arms either extended in front or clasp below the buttock.

It improves your digestion.

It opens up the muscles of the hip, thighs and ankles.

It improves your breathing.

For those people who have stiff back and joints: they can always begin with placing a pillow in front of them, breathe out and slowly lower their bodies as much as they can after regular practice one can easily progress to the normal of asana.

Ustrasana (Camel pose)

It is best for a person who wants to get control over their body posture and balance.

It stretches the entire of the body.

It is once again best for the people with anxiety and stress as it completely releases the tension and helps in attaining the feeling of empowerment and strength.

It is contraindicated for people with back shoulder and spine injuries.

 

Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)

If you do it daily on an empty stomach then you will see visible changes in your waist size.

It helps to burn stubborn lower abdominal fat.

It stretches neck back, spine, quadriceps and thighs.

It improves digestion and relieves stress.

Don’t do it if you are suffering from neck and back ache and injuries.

Comments