At the tail end of the eighteenth century the Indian philosopher Swami Vivekanada toured Canada and the United States to tell people about his philosophy, which he called Asana. He probably never dreamed that it would become so popular so quickly. Today, millions of people all over the world practice Asana. Asana is a holistic philosophy that aims to improve the body, mind and spirit. By practicing yoga Washington DC residents try to establish some balance in their lives.
There are still many misconceptions about Asana, despite its immense popularity. Asana is not a religion or, nor is it an exercise program, as so many people still think. It is, instead, a holistic discipline that aims to improve the mind, body and spirit of the practitioner in a balanced manner. There is nothing mystic or mysterious about it. It is, in fact, a practical philosophy.
Asana does entail certain stretching exercises and a number of poses that have to be learnt. However, the discipline is not about exercise alone. These exercises and poses are nothing but instruments that are used as vehicles to promote discipline, health, the ability to focus and a host of other benefits. There are many different forms of Asana. Some are more physically strenuous while others are more contemplative.
Most practitioners love the fact that Asana does not allow any form of competition. Every practitioner progresses at his own pace and master new techniques when they feel up to it. For this reason, classes routinely consist of individuals at various levels of competency. This is a big benefit because it means that families or groups of friends can all practice together without being forced to follow any program.
Several empirical and a number of more informal studies into the benefits offered by Asana have all concluded that it offers numerous benefits indeed and absolutely no drawbacks. It is of particular benefit to those suffering from hypertension, heart conditions, asthma and respiratory difficulties. Those with mental conditions such as high anxiety levels, depression and post traumatic stress syndrome also benefit greatly and some therapists actually encourage their patients to take it up.
Anyone can take up Asana regardless of age or physical condition. It is easy to begin and no special clothes or equipment is required, which makes it affordable and accessible to everyone. One can start off in isolation at home, but it is recommended that beginners join at least a few classes. Reputable instructors will help beginners to identify their needs and to choose an approach to Asana that will suit them best.
There is absolutely no shortage of material on this subject. Numerous websites offer training programs, discussion forums and advice. In most cases these sites are free of charge. There are also numerous books on the subject. Unfortunately, because there are so many forms of Asana, beginners are often at a loss to decide just which site or book is best for them.
There can be no doubt that yoga offers many benefits and no drawbacks whatsoever. It offers better health, physical fitness, mental clarity and a better quality of life. It is easy to get started and the cost involved is minimal. Beginners will find classes just about everywhere, even in smaller towns and they will start reaping the benefits almost immediately.
There are still many misconceptions about Asana, despite its immense popularity. Asana is not a religion or, nor is it an exercise program, as so many people still think. It is, instead, a holistic discipline that aims to improve the mind, body and spirit of the practitioner in a balanced manner. There is nothing mystic or mysterious about it. It is, in fact, a practical philosophy.
Asana does entail certain stretching exercises and a number of poses that have to be learnt. However, the discipline is not about exercise alone. These exercises and poses are nothing but instruments that are used as vehicles to promote discipline, health, the ability to focus and a host of other benefits. There are many different forms of Asana. Some are more physically strenuous while others are more contemplative.
Most practitioners love the fact that Asana does not allow any form of competition. Every practitioner progresses at his own pace and master new techniques when they feel up to it. For this reason, classes routinely consist of individuals at various levels of competency. This is a big benefit because it means that families or groups of friends can all practice together without being forced to follow any program.
Several empirical and a number of more informal studies into the benefits offered by Asana have all concluded that it offers numerous benefits indeed and absolutely no drawbacks. It is of particular benefit to those suffering from hypertension, heart conditions, asthma and respiratory difficulties. Those with mental conditions such as high anxiety levels, depression and post traumatic stress syndrome also benefit greatly and some therapists actually encourage their patients to take it up.
Anyone can take up Asana regardless of age or physical condition. It is easy to begin and no special clothes or equipment is required, which makes it affordable and accessible to everyone. One can start off in isolation at home, but it is recommended that beginners join at least a few classes. Reputable instructors will help beginners to identify their needs and to choose an approach to Asana that will suit them best.
There is absolutely no shortage of material on this subject. Numerous websites offer training programs, discussion forums and advice. In most cases these sites are free of charge. There are also numerous books on the subject. Unfortunately, because there are so many forms of Asana, beginners are often at a loss to decide just which site or book is best for them.
There can be no doubt that yoga offers many benefits and no drawbacks whatsoever. It offers better health, physical fitness, mental clarity and a better quality of life. It is easy to get started and the cost involved is minimal. Beginners will find classes just about everywhere, even in smaller towns and they will start reaping the benefits almost immediately.
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