Living a Yoga Life with The Five Points of Yoga
The famous yoga master Swami Sivananda was a 20th century phenomenon. There is much written about Swami Sivananda who loved to 125 and was a major influence in accessible yoga for westerners by translating ancient yoga teachings into modern western language. If you get the chance learn more about the fascinating life of Swami Sivananda. He summarized yoga philosophy and lifestyle into five simple principles.
1. Proper Exercise - Asana
By dedicating time each day to exercise our bodies, we can improve our overall health and even boost our immunity. Through regular asana practice we increase muscle strength, boosting tissue health. Through regular yoga practice we improve each system of our body. Asana practice improves the following systems:
- Circulation
- Digestive
- Endocrine
- Muscular
- Nervous
- Skeleton
- Respiratory
Regular exercise improves mood and helps create a more positive outlook on life.
2. Proper Breathing - Pranayama
Through deep, conscious breathing we connect our bodies spirit and mind. Conscious breathing also helps us relieve stress and brings mindfulness into our lives. Try it, deep breathing gives us energy as it promotes the flow of energy (prana) throughout our bodies.
3. Proper Relaxation - Savasana
Relaxation is important to living a healthy lifestyle in yoga philosophy. It is important to make time for rest every day, which helps us gain more energy to undertake our tasks, goals and passions. Relaxation helps to combat stress in our daily lives.
According to Swami Sivandanda, there are three types of relaxation:
- Physical relaxation: Achieved by consciously relaxing different parts of the body
- Mental relaxation: Achieved by pranayama practice to help calm the mind
- Spiritual relaxation: Achieved through meditation, which creates
4. Proper Diet - Healthy Food
Food has an energetic effect on our bodies, in yoga philosophy, it is believed that natural, simple and un-processed foods energize our bodies and fill us with positive energy and vitality. On the other hand, over-processed foods, full of chemicals, and are nutritionally deficient, will leave us feeling lethargic, sluggish and a foggy brain. Processed food can even make people sick, especially when you are not used to it. Choose foods that have positive affects on your mind and body Choose natural unprocessed foods and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
5. Positive Thinking and Meditation
A positive mental attitude is an important part of living a yoga lifestyle. Positive thinking is a choice. Take steps daily to cultivate a healthy mind through meditation, gratitude and self-reflection.
Meditation is a main aspect of maintaining a positive outlook on life. Meditation allows us to get in touch with our true nature and purifies our thoughts. Through meditation we connect with our consciousness. When people control thoughts through meditation, we learn to give less energy to negative thoughts and more energy to positive thoughts that enhance our lives.
You can learn more about Swami Sivananda and his philosophies here https://www.dlshq.org/saints/his-holiness-sri-swami-sivananda-saraswati-maharaj/