Contradictory to the common belief, Yoga is not just an exercise program. Yoga is a system, which, if applied, correctly can give us tools for every area of our life.
Since Yoga originated in India, there has been a lot debate on the subject if Muslims can practice Yoga and the answer is: absolutely yes.
Again, if taught correctly, Yoga can be compared to a glass of pure water, out of which every participant can create his favorite drink and that metaphor applies to our spiritual or religious belief.
Yoga recognizes the human being as consisting of five bodies – spiritual body, energetic body, mental body, emotional body, and physical body – and the term “Yoga” means UNION among all those five bodies.
Yoga can be a great tool during the month of Ramadan to get in a touch with our innate self. Here are the five ways that Yoga can help during this special month:
- Yoga recognizes our spiritual body and helps us to realize that our true nature is divine.
- Through practice of Yoga, we calm our mind and senses, and connect deeper with the divine.
- Yoga reduces stress, makes us more serene, and allows us to connect deeper with ourselves. Thus, recognizing our strengths and weaknesses, and ways to improve ourselves.
- Through breathing techniques Yoga connects us to the life force energy (the Qi) and shows us greater sources of strength than just mere food and water. (Yogis can live without food indefinitely, relaying solely on the life force energy.)
- Yoga makes us happy, peaceful, and grateful for all the blessings in our life and we share our happiness with those around us. Thus, contributing to a better, happier, and more peaceful world.
Happy Ramadan everybody!
ABOUT THE GUEST WRITER
Anna Kastor is a graduate of The Yoga Institute of Houston, Texas and studied under the supervision of a Yoga Master at The Bihar School of Yoga in Bangalore, India. Having devoted much of her life to studying and understanding the art of ancient Yoga practices, Anna teaches her classes by adapting the philosophy to the needs of modern life. She is also actively involved in the fields of stress management and overcoming addictions, aspects of which she incorporates into her teachings.
Anna dedicates time at Energy as a certified Yoga Instructor and a Wellness & Relaxation Consultant.
