When you come across a yoga class advertisement, what makes you want to be a part of the class? What sort of benefit do you imagine deriving from a yoga class at home or a studio somewhere and why did you think to yourself that it is now time to ‘find a yoga class near me’? Is it physical fitness you’re looking to achieve, or maybe inner peace, or is this something you’re looking to do because your friends and neighbors are doing it too?
Whatever be your initial motivations for taking up yoga, you will find that you are able to derive a host of other benefits from the practice of yoga. When you take a yoga class, you will find yourself becoming mentally stronger and physically healthier. Let me explain why this is so.
The connection between yoga and inner peace
As you stretch your limbs in the way that a particular aasan requires you to, close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing, you will find the mind’s eye turns inward. You can experience a feeling of peace and calm descend upon you. As you cut out external distractions and concentrate on the here and now, you will find the minor irritations and stresses of the day fall away.
And that is why so many of my students who started their yoga class for weight loss find that they experience many unexpected but welcome benefits from their class. As the body grows fitter, circulation improves and the mind becomes more peaceful, this starts to reflect on the face as well: the skin is smoother and more radiant and the body is suppler than before. After a while students begin to look forward to the discipline of their yoga class each day; it becomes a time where the body is rejuvenated and the mind is able to reconnect to its inner self.
The best aasans for inner peace
There are certain aasans that have a dual positive impact to promote inner peace. The physical action that improves circulation, particularly to the brain and the meditative nature of yoga itself can help to relieve stress and promote inner peace:
Sukhasana with the forward bend – sitting in a cross legged position, you bring your torso into a forward bend and try to get your head as close to the ground as possible.
Prasarita Padottanasana or standing forward bend – stand with your legs wide apart and then bend at the waist to bring the head down towards the ground while supporting it with your hands.
Virbhadrasan or warrior pose – this is also thought to relax the body and mind; helping to increase physical strength and engendering feelings of invincibility.
The dancer pose or Natarajasan – This greatly enhances physical balance and also helps increase a sense of discipline.
Sirsasana or the head stand – This is not an easy pose by any means, but as you progress with your yoga training you may be able to do this one as well. It has several benefits including improving blood circulation to the brain and lowering stress.