Geeta Yoga - Illuminating Lives

The Key Pre-requisites to undertake Yoga journey

Faith and Motivation

Yoga practice is an inward journey that promotes self transformation.  You need faith and motivation to undertake this journey,  a strong will to change your destructive old habits and consistent effort to develop healthy habits that will changes the quality of your life.

Positive Attitude

Attitudes play a significant role in the personality and health. Positive attitude builds inner strength and confidence and keeps you free from pain. Negative attitude destroys the mind-body balance and creates obstacles for good health.

Understanding  Asanas and Pranayamas

It is best to learn asanas and pranayama from an experienced and competent teacher who will educate you about this wonderful discipline and guide you with the correct practice.  All your doubts will also be cleared.

Assessment of your Present Condition

Your physical and mental condition changes everyday; it changes from time to time. Realistically assess your condition and accept it before you start your practice. Such a practice will be really beneficial.

Self-Awareness

The most important requirement for perfecting asanas in hatha yoga is not the flexibility or ability to do them, but self- awareness.  Self-awareness leads to self discovery and   perfect integration of the mind and body.  It also helps you to gracefully undertake this inward journey of self-transformation.

Body Alignment

Alignment of the body parts is very important. When the asanas are performed mechanically, there is misalignment and discomfort. Misalignment of body parts lead to imbalance and pain because the tight muscles pull the body out of alignment. Proper co-ordination of the breath and use of props will help to improve alignment without hurting. When there is right alignment there is lightness and ease.

Awareness of your Breath

Awareness of your breath is very crucial for experiencing the harmony. Breathe through your nose, evenly and smoothly and co-ordinate your breath with every movement. When you settle in the asana make sure your attention is on your breathing. Breathing helps integrate the mind and the body and remove distrubances.

Creating Balance

There is always imbalance between the two sides of your body; you will notice that one side is stronger than the other. Imbalance leads to unsteadiness and discomfort.  Sage Patanjali  ‘the father of yoga’ has reiterated that “imbalance leads to disease.” When you achieve the inner balance, there is lightness, grace, ease and freedom from pain.

Inward Gaze

‘Antara dristi’ is gazing inwards.  Inward gaze plays a vital role in bringing stability and balance.  When the eyes move around, the mind is distracted and the focus is shifted. Fix your eyes on one spot and focus inward especially when you perform the balancing asanas. Antara Drishti  is also practiced during pranayama (breath control) and dhyana (meditation.)

Determination and  Effort

To learn and master asanas and pranayama, strong determination and sincere effort are very  vital.

Managing Pain

Pain is a natural sensation caused due to stiffness or congestion. Yogis believed that through pain you will see the light inside, pain helps to take you inwards. In certain asanas you may experience pain.  If your body is properly aligned and your weight is properly distributed, you can adjust and adapt well in the asana. Cultivate tolerance and patience, and a positive attitude are essential qualities.  Remember to respect your body and not to over exert.  The progress may be slow, but with perseverance and guidance of an experienced teacher you can manage and overcome pain.

Commitment and Regularity

Regular and committed practice is the key to achieve the desired goal. Set aside a time for your everyday practice and make your practice time a positive and uplifting experience. The key to continuing your practice everyday is to thoroughly enjoy it.