YOGA - BODY, Mind and Spirit

The truth is that most of us have associated yoga with some
difficult and complicated positions that we must put our bodies in in order to relax from tension and let our mind "escape" from the world of
thoughts. In reality, however, yoga is much more than that and the
her techniques, from the simplest to the most complex, achieve the union of
body with mind and spirit! That is why the Sanskrit word “Yoga” means “union”.

But let's start from the beginning. dedicating a few words to what exactly yoga is. The first references that exist about yogic culture are dated to approximately 3000 BC from archaeological findings found in the Indus Valley which depicted meditation and breathing positions. From this we understand that yoga is one of the oldest sciences of humanity born in ancient India, from experience and innate knowledge of people, on the natural way of life, emphasizing health of the body and peace of mind.

But how can this long-desired health and peace of mind be achieved?
that much do we desire in our lives?
One of the branches of yoga is the eightfold path or Ashtanga yoga.
which includes eight consecutive stages. These stages aim at
strengthening of discrimination, good physical and mental health, so that
we can have prosperity in all areas of our lives.

The eightfold path consists of

1.Yamas – 5 ethical principles
-Ahimsa - Non-violence towards all beings, including ourselves.
Avoiding violence in words and thoughts.
-Sathya - Truth
-Asteya - Avoidance of theft
-Brahmacharya - Moderation in the challenges of life
-Aparigraha - Avoidance of attachment to material goods

2.Niyamas – 5 principles of self-improvement
-Santosa – Acceptance and receptivity, two qualities that help us to successfully plan the next step.
-Tapas - Self-discipline in thoughts, control of food, speech and proper
utilization of time.
-Ishvara Pranidhana - Gratitude to the Supreme Power.
-Svadyaya - Study and knowledge of philosophical texts
-Saucha - Cleanliness of body, space, mental clarity and direction of
thoughts towards higher ideals.
3.Asanas - Body postures/exercises
4.Pranayama - Breathing techniques
5.Pratyahara - Control of the senses
6.Dharana - Concentration
7.Dhyana - Meditation
8.Samandhi - Transcending material consciousness

According to ancient yogic texts, Yamas and the Niyamas are called the eyes of yoga because they cultivate character, kindness and unity with nature and other people.
What differentiates yoga from gymnastics is the emphasis it places on
breathing. It is a fact that we have all noticed our breathing changing
in moments of anxiety, fear, in moments of excitement or when we relax before
sleep. Yoga uses breathing as a tool with which it manages to
eliminates stress, while at the same time calming the mind from the incessant production
thoughts.

Connecting nostrils to the brain

Right nostril
Left side of the brain
Sense organs, hands, feet, genitals, tongue (speech)
Masculine energy
Yang
Influence from the sun
Logic, determination, planning, extroversion

Left nostril
Right side of the brain
Senses, sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch
Feminine energy
Yin
Influence from the moon
Creativity, art, sleep, rest, introversion

One of the most important breathing techniques is alternating breathing, and we will
encountered in any yoga class, whether it is aimed at beginners or
to advanced students.
The technique is very simple and all you need is a chair or a
cushion in case we prefer to sit on the ground.

How to do alternating breathing:
- Initially, we sit comfortably, keeping our torso stable. We spend a few
minutes to observe if any part of the body needs to relax.
- Then with the right thumb we close the right nostril.
- Inhale through the left nostril.
- To exhale, close the left nostril and open the right.
- We continue inhaling through the right nostril.
- On exhalation, close the right nostril and open the left.
We continue in this way for 5, changing sides with each exhalation.

Benefits of alternating breathing:
-Increases concentration
-Relaxes the body
-Improves breathing capacity
-Balances the right and left hemispheres of the brain
-Rejuvenates the nervous system
-Removes toxins from the body
-Maintains good metabolic function
-Significantly improves sleep quality
-Balances the five elements of the body (earth, water, fire, air, ether)
-Significantly reduces anxiety and helps manage stressful situations
-Increases vital energy
-Cleanses the internal channels of the body

Breathing should be performed on an empty stomach and avoiding
their practice in case of illness.