Most people get a little bit too wrapped up in trying to decide which branch of Yoga that they should study. They read a brief synopsis of each type and then go about trying to discern which one is the most appropriate for them. The fact is that all branches of Yoga overlap. They do so very naturally. Yoga is very natural. Whether you choose to direct your energies to the study of Hatha, Raja, Karma, Tantra, Bhakti or Jnana Yoga - doesn't really matter. You should be more concerned with what Yoga means in general terms.
Yoga is the union of the mind with the body. If we become masterful in the direction of our thoughts, then we begin to grow in wisdom. All branches of Yoga have the direct aim to bring us into constant consciousness. We need to be aware of our bodies. We need to pay attention to our posture. We need to watch our words. We'll need to choose wise actions. We need to develop joint, tendon, ligament and muscular stEF1rength. We need to assist our bodies with its internal functions. We need to constantly check ourselves in order to ensure that we're being the people that we want to be. That's what Yoga is.
People have a serious misconception about the yogic arts. They think that the goal is to twist our bodies into pretzel-like formations. Until people develop their understanding further, they do not realize that the primary goal of Yoga is for the betterment and broadening of the mind. The concept is that by controlling our thoughts effectively, we are able to focus in on the body. We are able to relax ourselves into seemingly strenuous positions with ease. This is not done simply for the strengthening and the elongating of the connective tissues that surround our joints; it's done to bring us into a state of consciousness where enlightenment is a possibility.
When you go forward into the yogic lifestyle, you are entering a lifelong process. When you expose yourself to these timeless arts, you are planting seeds in your mind. The seeds will come to fruition in the form of increased confidence, increased strength, increased awareness, increased wisdom and a superior life in general. So, do not get too wrapped up in which branch of yoga that you wish to pursue. Just pursue the concept of being in touch with you. The rest will come in time. Here is a small list of some of the uncountable benefits that you can experience constantly through the development of your yogic understanding:
Increased blood circulation with simultaneously decreased heart rates.
Decreased respiratory rates.
Improved delivery of oxygen and nutrients to all of the systems of the body through the blood stream.
Alleviation of joint and muscular pain.
Increased flexibility.
Increased endurance.
Enhanced ability to relax and be tranquil in any situation.
A calm and composed air about yourself.
A deeper understanding of your fellow humans.
A deeper understanding of nature.
Increased consciousness of your actions, speech and thoughts.
Increased energy levels.
Decreased need for sleep.
Partial or complete reversal of all preventable diseases.
This list could go on forever. That's because there is no end to the benefits of Yoga. Save your questions concerning which branch to thoroughly assimilate into your life. Just start by taking a nice, full breath and stretching your hands into the sky above you. Appreciate the air that you breathe. Appreciate the nature around you. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of your daily competitive life. This is Yoga.
Alan M Roberts is a fulltime freelance writer and web developer. He is always available for consultation through his web site at http://www.10-4Life.com Visit him there often and find reasons to live!
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