We’ve all heard and read (and perhaps even known personally) about someone who’s succumbed to illness that was brought on by failure to manage their stress level. Chances are we’ve been in that very predicament ourselves...
Traditional and modern medicine may help stall that impending headache or even prevent a cardiac arrest situation from occurring; if spotted early that is.
But how long can we stall the inevitable?
Surely there must be a solution that’s possibly better than just preventive measures. Something more fulfilling yet uncomplicated and non too time consuming that we can adhere to.
Yoga: Mind, Body and Soul
Yoga is the physical, mental and spiritual practice that aims to transform the Body and Mind. It’s widely recognized as an effective holistic approach in attaining the precarious balance required in our lives for better well-being. Its history is as steep and deep as its meaning and the benefits it holds.
Though yoga’s origins is still a subject of debates and discussions, earliest archaeological evidence seem to suggest that its existence could be traced as far back as around 3000 B.C. There are schools of though however who believe yoga has been around even longer.
So how did yoga manage to stand the tests of time increasing its popularity even through the ages and across different cultures?
Are there any scientific prove to its efficacy?
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Yoga teaches an individual to understand their body and mind better. Through different poses, transitions and focused breathing, we learn the way our body operates and its limitations.
With constant practice and deeper understanding, we overcome these limitations breaking mental barriers along the way. It takes self-discipline and patience to learn and execute the various poses with their accompanying breathing techniques to perfection.
But once mastered, the benefits are extensive.
To quote Swami Sivananda, spiritual teacher and one of yoga’s more notable proponents, on the benefits of pranayama (yogic breathing practices) -"The body becomes strong and healthy. Too much fat is reduced. There is luster in the face. Eyes sparkle like diamonds. The practitioner becomes very handsome. Voice becomes sweet and melodious."
Indeed there are many physical benefits to yoga. But this ancient art form is also known to boost the spiritual wellbeing of its practitioners.
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Evidently a healthy body leads to a healthy mind and vice versa. Yoga’s ability to deliver and achieve that delicate balance is widely recognized. Yoga’s healing powers have also been studied and in a lot of cases, agreed on. Yoga is indeed the pathway to better health.
But not only that, the benefits of yoga extends deeper than the body.
With yoga, your mind will be clearer and your sense of self-awareness will be heightened. Yoga teaches you to better understand and most importantly, better manage your well-being. Yoga can be practiced just about anywhere its convenient and conducive. The beach, with its open space and fresh air, is an ideal alternative venue outside of the studio and your home. For those living in the East of Singapore, East Coast beach would be a perfect option.
Here are some yoga poses you can do the next time you’re at the beach according to Women’s Health magazine.
CRAB
[Beginner Level] Works core, shoulders, back, arms and glutes.
Sit with your knees bent and your feet hip-distance apart, flat on the ground. Place your palms on the sand behind your hips so your fingers are pointing toward you. Take a deep breath, and on the exhalation, curl your tailbone under and lift your hips straight up. Your neck should be relaxed. Hold for five to 15 breaths. Lower your hips and rest for five breaths. Repeat three times. To release, slowly exhale the hips back down.
LORD OF THE FISHES
[Beginner Level] Works core and improves spine flexibility
Sit on the sand with your legs extended in front of you. Cross your right leg over your left and place your right foot flat outside your left thigh. Keeping your left thigh on the ground, bend your left knee and rest the bottom of your left foot outside your right butt cheek. Place your right hand on the sand next to your right hip. Inhale and lift your left arm up toward the sky.
Exhale, bend your left elbow and place the outside of the elbow on the outside of the right thigh; press them together. Inhale, lifting your chest up and stretching your spine tall. Exhale, press the left arm and right thigh together, and twist to the right, looking over the right shoulder. Hold for five to 15 long, deep breaths. Inhale as you come out of the pose. Repeat once on the other side.
SAVASANA
[Beginner Level]
Lie on your back on the sand with your legs slightly apart and your arms at your sides, about a foot away from your body, palms up. Feel every part of your body sinking into the warm, soft sand. Free your mind. Free your heart.
To enjoy the summer better, practice yoga in the tranquil water with aqua savasana. With the same techniques as above, inhale and exhale gently while floating…
Let go of earthly matters and just be…
Revel in the sun, stay focused but relax. Take it like you are doing hot yoga on the beach.
