I started my Yoga practice just by watching my elders doing their yoga practice.
For each of us ( siblings and me), It was an act of playfulness so we used to fold our legs to reach through and across the neck then roll like a ball.
Sometimes the very efforts to balance on the single legs would make us fall flat. We had only one goal and that was to have fun since we were just 7-8 years old.
It was later after reaching adulthood, I realized that being regular with my yoga practice is crucial for my physical fitness. With that goal in mind, I remained regular with yoga, with a little on and off, depending upon my life situation.
However, the passing years morphed me into a yoga seeker from a yoga practitioner. Looking for something extra…extra in Yoga philosophies…a bit of extra curiosity about my existence, my purpose, my surroundings, and the universe as a whole.
When you start seeking and connecting with everything, with different energies as well as your surroundings, when you develop a feeling of oneness with everything, it might be an indication that you are passing through a phase of spiritual awakening.
Therefore it is crucial to understand that being spiritual doesn't necessarily mean being religious.
Although very thin, there is a clear demarcation between being religious and being spiritual.
Being Religious Vs Being Spiritual
Being Religious
Religion Binds
Being religious can be associated with being a part of an organization or institution. Religion is a well-structured and rule-based construct that helps to channel the behavior of its followers.
There could be moral laws, doctrine and specific codes of conducts in a religious system.
The origin of religion proved to be beneficial for early humans living in uncertain times. Being a part of an organized religion helped to provide them with a sense of security, certainly, and a high degree of comfort.
Being Spiritual
Spirituality Sets You Free
Spirituality sets you free from the restrictions and rigidity of a religious structure. It is a pathless path toward self-discovery.
It is a call of your soul that navigates you towards this part of infinitism. You are not bound by any set of rules.
On this path, however, you leave behind a set of rules and a group of people and walk solo from where the very feeling of loneliness is largely absent. Because you comprise the entire universe and YOU ARE THE UNIVERSE.
The Science And Role Of Yoga Asanas In Spiritual Awakening
From a physical perspective, yoga asanas help to increase flexibility, strength, balance, and range of motion.
Each posture targets specific muscles, joints, and systems of the body, such as the respiratory, circulatory, and digestive systems.
When practiced regularly, yoga asanas can also help to improve overall physical health and reduce the risk of injury or illness.
From a mental perspective, yoga asanas can help to calm the mind, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve concentration and focus.
The practice of yoga asanas requires mindfulness and attention to the breath and body, which can help to quiet the mind and promote a sense of relaxation and inner peace.
From a spiritual perspective, yoga asanas are believed to help activate and balance the energy centers of the body, known as CHAKRAS.
By activating these energy centers, yoga asanas can help to cultivate a deeper connection to the self, to others, and the universe.
Overall, the science of yoga asana involves an understanding of the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of each posture, as well as the principles of alignment, breath, and mindfulness that are central to the practice.
Can Regular Yoga Practice Lead To Spiritual Awakening?
While yoga is often practiced for its physical and mental benefits, it is ultimately a spiritual practice that aims to connect you with your true nature, or inner self.
The practice of yoga includes various spiritual elements, such as the study of yoga philosophy and scripture, meditation, and the cultivation of virtues such as compassion, gratitude, and self-awareness.
These elements can help to develop a deeper sense of connection to oneself, others, and the universe.
In addition, the physical practice of yoga asanas (postures) can help to prepare the body for meditation and spiritual practice.
By releasing physical tension and promoting balance and alignment in the body, yoga asanas can create a more receptive and grounded state of being.
Overall, regular yoga practice can be a powerful tool for spiritual growth and awakening.
However, it's important to note that the experience of spiritual awakening is a deeply personal and individual journey, and may or may not occur for every practitioner.
It's also important to seek guidance from experienced teachers and practitioners to ensure that the practice is safe and appropriate for your level of experience and physical condition.
What are the advantages of being spiritual?
There are many potential advantages of being spiritual, including:
1. Greater sense of meaning and purpose: Spirituality can provide a sense of connection to something greater than oneself, which can help to give life a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.
2. Increased resilience: Spiritual practices can help to develop qualities such as mindfulness, gratitude, and compassion, which can improve one's ability to cope with stress, adversity, and challenging life circumstances.
3. Improved mental health: Spirituality can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as improve overall mental health and well-being.
4. Greater sense of connection: Spiritual practices can help to cultivate a sense of interconnection with other people, nature, and the universe, which can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
5. Enhanced relationships: Spirituality can help to promote qualities such as forgiveness, empathy, and kindness, which can improve relationships with others and lead to more fulfilling and satisfying connections.
6. Improved physical health: Some research suggests that spiritual practices such as meditation and prayer may have physical health benefits, such as reduced inflammation, improved immune function, and lower blood pressure.
Wrapping Up - Yoga Practice To Spiritual Awakening
Now that you are aware that there are many potential advantages to being spiritual, you must start your regular yoga practice if you haven't yet.
Or if you are not regular or doubt the efficacy of yoga practices over other kinds of workouts.
By doing that, you can cultivate greater meaning and purpose, improved resilience, better mental health, a greater sense of connection with cosmos, enhanced relationships, and of course, improved physical health.
External Links:
Introduction to Yama and Niyama in Yoga
Yoga for Beginners
Visit her website- www.yogarsutra.com
Download her app- bit.ly/AppYogarsutra
Thank you for shedding light about How to Attain Spiritual Awakening With Yoga. It's a great reminder to prioritise physical activity for our well-being
ReplyDeleteWell said, Thanks for reading ❤️
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