Yoga

Yoga and Lifestyle
Why you should practice yoga
By Chocolako
16 May 2016 | 10:27 am
Have you ever noticed when everything
seems fine and easy going , life throws
you a curve ball or two, just to keep you
on your toes ? When they strike , whether
you are prepared or not, you are likely to
have one of two reactions: fight or flight.
Picture yourself not only anticipating and
catching those balls , but juggling them
effortlessly . Welcome to Yoga!
Yoga practice helps to discipline the
mind, by synchronizing the breath with
body movement . It is renowned as an
ancient practice with origins dating back
thousands of years to India . The word
itself, originates from the Sanskrit
language , and means union, or to put it
simply – to know who you are and to be
at peace and harmony with what you
discover .
What does it really mean to know
yourself? It means opening a doorway
that goes beyond your physical body ,
finding value in tumultuous situations ,
and discovering limitless possibilities of
who you could be . Such self - inquiry may
not be the initial intent ; however , as if
by happy accident, this is by far the most
common experience of people who
continuously practice yoga .
While it is great to achieve advance poses
in your yoga practice , this should not be
the only purpose . Many people are
introduced to yoga after a traumatic
experience or when a physician suggests
preventative methods to manage stress,
control weight, modify a sedentary
lifestyle or normalize chronic diseases
such as diabetes , high cholesterol or
blood pressure . To give an example ,
Becky, whose a marketing director ,
recently joined my yoga class and
complained about sitting in front of a
computer at her desk for more than
seven hours without a break each day.
She described her day as monotonous ,
with limited body movement . Becky’ s
aim was to reacquaint herself with her
body while improving her flexibility and
strength, and within six months she was
delighted with her transformation.
Typically people join my classes to
improve back strain and aching joints.
Physiotherapists have recommended
patients recovering from slipped discs to
attend yoga class to complement their
therapy .
Yoga is for everyone who has breath and
yearns for freedom from fear , doubt and
pain . It can help you to achieve
discipline , focus, mental strength, and an
overall feeling of well - being and health.
Originally designed to help achieve a
more positive outlook on life and a sense
of serenity and peace ; yoga today is more
likely to be viewed as a fitness workout
for people to curl their body into jaw-
dropping , seemingly impossible postures.
Somewhere between ancient tradition
and modern image, lies a sweet spot for
each person to connect to the benefits of
yoga, in a meaningful and life changing
manner.
I started practicing yoga in 2005, while I
was a graduate student at UC Berkeley . A
friend invited me to a yoga class as a
study break and stress reliever. At the
time, I had no clue what to expect. I just
wanted a “ break ” from everything – life ,
bills , school , work , my health, the city…
everything ! By the end of my first 60-
minute class , I realized I got much more
than I bargained for , and this has been
my experience each and every time I roll
out my yoga mat .
Initially , the aim was to workout , sweat
and occupy my mind with something
other than stress from my day to day life .
Eleven years later , my yoga practice has
evolved to teach me how to co- exist with
curve balls and everything else life
throws my way. Physical movement has
always been important to me, but so is
the mental , emotional and spiritual
oneness I experience on and off the yoga
mat.
Since becoming a certified yoga teacher
in 2010, I’ ve observed the progression of
several students who yearn for freedom
and the benefits of yoga . The journey is
different for everyone , but one thing is
certain : you ’ll never walk away from a
60- minute yoga session feeling the same
way you did before yoga practice started .
When someone tells me that they want
to try yoga , but hesitate because they
aren’t “ flexible enough ,” I tell them yoga
is not about perfect poses. It’s not about
“ being flexible or good ” , “ right” or
“ perfect” . Yoga is about removing judgment
and being present to who you are now , at
this moment .
If you think yoga might be for you , what
are you waiting for ? Give it a try.
My top reasons why you should start
practicing yoga today:
1. Practice yoga to awaken dormant
muscles and soothe aching body parts .
2. Reduce stress levels and insomnia .
3. Weight loss and management .
4. Improve concentration and ability to
focus on one task at a time.
5. Increase flexibility and improve
posture.
Rumour has it , yoga improves intimacy
and sex life (wink ).
Chocolako teaches private sessions,
corporate events and group classes in
Lagos . To practice yoga with Chocolako,
check out her teaching schedule at
www. chocolako.com .