subject: Self awareness is important in yoga practice [print this page] Yoga is a spiritual science discovered by Indian yogis to attain higher states of consciousness. The starting steps of yoga are asanas (body postures) and Pranayam (breathing technique). These practices help one to set up his mind to achieve supreme consciousness.
Yogic practices work on a holistic level and lead to physical and psychological (mental) development. Yoga brings peace to body and mind and it is only possible when it is done with complete awareness. This specialty of yoga differentiates it from other forms of exercise.
Awareness is the ability to perceive, to feel, or to be conscious of the events occurring around us. When we do yogic practices with awareness, it improves the sensitivity and receptivity of mind and makes mind empowered to concentrate.
A concentrated mind leads to a number of positive personality traits like intelligence, creativity, self-confidence, emotional stability, etc. and prepares mind for advance yogic practice like meditation.
While performing yoga, awareness on the self (physical and mental) is very crucial. Physical awareness helps us to be in accurate posture and prevents us from making any postural slip and injury. Mental awareness helps one to observe and feel the effects of yogasana.
Relaxation with awareness leads to a deeper state of relaxation of body and mind and brings mind in a tranquil status for other advance yogic practices.
The human body is made for movement and activity, and suffers when deprived of it. Joints maintain their mobility, and muscles their elasticity, only if they are used. All body systems--respiratory, circulatory, digestive, etc.--need movement if they are to function efficiently. Movement is natural and necessary, but unfortunately most of us lead a sedentary lifestyle, which is taking a toll on our neck and shoulders.
