Wait a Minute… Yoga is a SCIENCE???
Ok, so, I’m a little late to the Skillshare party. I know it’s been around for quite but I’m just now starting to use it.
(B.T.W., they were having some kind of special where you get to try their premium plan: 2 months for free or 3 months for $0.99 [the one I’m trying]. I don’t know if they’re still doing it, but you should definitely check it out if Udemy is too expensive for you.)
Anyway, I stumbled upon this awesome course by Greg Vanderford on Eastern Philosophy.
Let me tell you, I’m only about 20–25 minutes in and I’m already thinking about things in a completely different way.
For one, yoga isn’t a religion, but a science; a series of teachings that integrate mind, body, and soul.
Ho… ly… sh*t.
Now, I know most learned men might consider such a statement blasphemous, preposterous, ludicrous, etc.
But yogic teachings don’t worship any gods. They’re simply meant to make your life better; reduce stress and create peace from the inside out (rather than the other way around).
The physical movements were only created to make meditation easier (and more productive)…
… since, you know, sitting in one position without moving for hours at a time is really uncomfortable.
I can vouch for this one from experience; my meditation is always better after a nice Hatha practice.
Side: the two main types of yoga are Hatha (body)and Raja (mind).
But What Even IS Meditation?
Well, according to Mariam-Webster, meditation simply means:
intransitive verb
1: to engage in contemplation or reflection
2: to engage in mental exercise (such as concentration on one’s breathing or repetition of a mantra) for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness
transitive verb
1: to focus one’s thoughts on : reflect on or ponder over
2: to plan or project in the mind
In essence, it’s spiritual but not religious. It can be intellectual or it can be a prayer.
In Short?
Whatever religion (or lack thereof) you practice, you can still benefit from yoga practice.
It’s a great way to keep yourself healthy & fit, but more importantly happy (and sane).
Because yoga is whatever gives you peace.
“A mind free from all disturbances is yoga.”- Patanjali
Some stress is healthy; it’s a natural response to a threat. But we need to reprogram our minds to decipher real threats from situations that are simply uncomfortable.
Bills, angry bosses, being stuck in traffic… these are all things that pass. So, learning to handle them with calmness can be vital to long-term health.
A mind free from all disturbances is yoga. -Patanjali
But What do YOU Think?
Do you think yoga can be justifiably referred to as science or is the thought completely offensive to your sensibilities?
Would you be open to trying it?
Keep in mind, you don’t have to be able to put your leg behind your head to effectively practice; I sure as sh*t can’t (lol).
All you need is a willingness to try, be present, and be happy.
I want comments! Discuss!
