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Why Yoga? The Many Benefits of Yoga Practice
First, what exactly is Yoga? The development of Yoga can be traced back to over 5,000 years ago, but some researchers think that Yoga may be up to 10,000 years old. This ancient Indian form of movement and breath practice is designed to bring unity to the MIND, BODY, and SPIRIT.
From my teachings, the word ‘spirit’ signifies our connection with ALL - the air we breathe, gravity (which is constantly pressing down on our bodies), the sun, the food we eat, what we drink, the energy put out (body language, tone, our vibrations), the energy we take in (the media/programming we consume, the people we surround ourselves with, our community), our senses of sight, smell, vision, taste, and touch, our inner dialogue (such as our thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations)… EVERYTHING.
With this mindset, Yoga becomes so much more the physical practice of “Yoga”, instead it’s about cultivating our awareness of our connection with the ALL in the present moment, the right here and NOW. This opportunity is ever-present as we’re in Yoga ALL THE TIME. This said, it’s a practice which we must develop by putting in the work and taking action in the present NOW. Practice equals progress, so put in your reps, cultivate awareness and understanding of your unity with all in the present and BE.
But why put in this effort? The research is abundantly clear, practicing Yoga results in many possible physical, mental, emotional and social benefits including a healthier body, development of stress management and relaxation skills, enhanced self-awareness and self-esteem, increased imagination and empathy, and improved self-discipline. Research also indicates that participation in wellness programming such as Yoga has been found to reduce stress and tension, dissipate excess energy, relieve tiredness, lengthen attention span, improve physical health, sharpen concentration, enhance mental clarity, and cultivate better interpersonal relationships.
Moreover, the correlation between academic performance for students and Yoga practice is unmistakably positive, with research linking regular Yoga to increased academic achievement, improved decision-making skills, improved communication skills, and increased IQ and social adaptation.
Furthermore, existing research addressing Yoga’s effect on children with attention and behavioural difficulties is also resoundingly positive with multiple scientific studies showing decreased hyperactivity and impulsivity, increased self-control, increased attention span, reduced anxiety, and improved complex learning skills . This is particularly relevant because Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is considered to be the most common mental disorder of childhood, with the prevalence of childhood ADHD is ever-increasing. Given the notable prevalence of children diagnosed with ADHD, Yoga is a proven tool that can notably help a significant portion of all schools’ student population.
Yoga is particularly important and meaningful to me because in 2010 I sustained a severe traumatic brain injury myself which left me in a coma for 3.5 days, retrograde amnesia, notable post-traumatic amnesia, and a long road of recovery where I used Yoga as my primary healing modality. Not only did Yoga help me heal, but the therapeutic effects of regular practice, considerably helped improved the quality of my life to wondrous, unprecedented levels and awakened me to the POWER OF CHOICE, our greatest human freedom and change making tool. Isn’t it beautiful the plasticity of our brains! I I can do it, so can YOU! Embrace FAITH over fear and ABUNDANCE over scarcity and make the choice to delight in the process moving forward.
THIS IT IT, my personal why to Yoga! Now go enjoy your journey, see you on the path my friends!
SOURCES
Harrison, L. J., Manocha, R., & Rubia, K. (2004). Sahaja yoga meditation as a family treatment for children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 9, 479-497.
Jensen, P. (2004). The effects of yoga on the attention and behavior of boys with Attention Deficit/hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The Journal of Attention Disorders, 7,4, 205- 216.
Nardo, A. C., & Reynolds, C. (2002). Social, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive benefits of yoga for children: A nontraditional role for school psychologists to consider. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Association of School Psychologists, Chicago, IL.
Peck, H. L. Kehle, T. J., Bray, M. A., & Theodore, L. A. (2005). Yoga as an intervention for children with attention problems. School Psychology Review, 34(3), 415-424.
Proeger, C., & Myrick, R. D. (1980). Teaching children to relax. Florida Educational Research and Development Council Inc. Research Bulletin, 14(3), 51.
Seiler, G., & Renshaw, K. (1978). Yoga for kids. Elementary School Guidance and Counseling, 12, 229-237.
Skounti M, Philalithis A, Galanakis E. (2007). Variations in prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder worldwide. European Journal of Pediatrics, 166(2), 117–123.
Uma, K., Nagendra, HR., Nagarathna, R., Vaidehi, S., & Seethalakshmi, R. (1989). The Integrated approach of yoga: a therapeutic tool for mentally retarded children: a one-year controlled study. Journal of Mental Deficit Research, 33, 415-421.
Zipkin, D. (1985). The relaxation techniques for handicapped children: A review of literature. Journal of Special Education, 19, 283-289.