Motivation in yoga: what gets you on the yoga mat?

Yoga is a millennium-old Indian exercise system, which basically has only one goal: Mastery of the mind - enlightenment. Recognizing your own essence. In order to achieve this great goal, there are also different yoga paths such as Raja-Yoga, Jnana-Yoga or the classic Hatha-Yoga.

Woman stretching on yoga mat

The way there is accompanied by an asana practice, regular meditation and a mindful lifestyle. However, most people rarely find their way to yoga because they want to become enlightened. Rather, it is the mindful movements and the learning of inner peace that move people to yoga. Interest in the philosophy of yoga or the ancient yogic scriptures comes later, when the yoga student is already familiar with yoga. Even personalities who would describe themselves as more rational often quickly feel the difference between normal gymnastic exercises and a real yoga practice, in which one unites body and mind through movement and conscious breathing. The feeling during and after is unique and people feel that. You are relaxed, connected to your body and can take a deep breath, breathe deeply and let go.

So is it the sense of unity that draws people onto the path of yoga? Yes, because the feeling of unity increases well-being and mental health. Those who begin yoga often have a desire to improve their own health. Yoga is about gaining distance on all levels and cultivating a certain inner attitude. Almost everyone who practices yoga feels more energy and zest for life. Yoga activates prana, the life energy. Yoga opens the nadis, the energy channels, and activates the chakras, the energy centers. Even without knowing this terminology, many are amazed at how they feel after a session of yoga. Furthermore, scientific studies show that yoga is good for the body, mind and psyche. Yoga has positive effects on the brain, the nervous system and the cardiovascular system and influences the hormonal balance and boosts the immune system. The entire musculature of the body is stretched and strengthened and the digestive system is supported. Yoga also helps in detoxifying the body and improves breathing. Breathing exercises clean the lungs and harmonize the nervous system and the flow of energy in the body. These numerous findings are motivating more and more people to practice yoga and to integrate it into their everyday lives.

Yoga: more relaxation and serenity in a hectic world

In modern society, which is constantly hectic and the expectations of each individual are constantly increasing, many people find their everyday life extremely stressful and overwhelmed. However, the practices of yoga often go beyond the mat. Yoga is a tool that can help people find inner balance and calm the mind. Yoga encourages us to be mindful of what is happening to the body and the inner world in each moment and empowers us in self-knowledge of how to move through life in peace. The numerous mindfulness practices train us to keep calm even in challenging life situations and make it easier for us to deal with stress factors. A daily meditation practice in particular can work wonders. Meditation has been shown to not only harmonize brainwaves, but bring us back to our essence. Through meditation we feel grounded and aligned, calm returns and we can look at many things from a new perspective of clarity. A mindful attitude can find its way into every area of ​​life:

  • Being mindful of yourself eg taking more breaks, caring for yourself and loving yourself, praising yourself more and criticizing less
  • Practicing gratitude: Every night ask yourself what you are grateful for in your life and write down everything that comes to your mind
  • nourish your mind and soul with inspiration eg reading spiritual books, poetry, listening to beautiful music, finding creative expression
  • ensure a healthy and restful sleep
  • spend more time in nature and unwind (walking meditations, forest bathing and earthing) etc.
  • celebrate your meals and the food that nourishes and strengthens you
  • take time for long yoga and meditation sessions

There are already some meditation and mindfulness exercises available on our blog. For example, we recommend our meditation to let go and mindfulness exercises for inner peace and serenity .

Sadhana: The spiritual practice for advanced yogis

Sadhana is a Sanskrit term that refers to a daily spiritual practice. Sadhana represents a disciplined surrender of the ego in which the practitioner uses tools such as asana, pranayama, meditation and chanting (mantra - chanting) on ​​a daily basis.

Anything practiced with awareness, discipline, and intention to grow spiritually can be considered sadhana, but it must be practiced alone and for the benefit of the individual. It doesn't have to be physical activity; daily self-study of yogic or spiritual scriptures is also a form of sadhana.

Especially when the spirit of yoga has been perceived and internalized, the practitioners are then drawn into a deeper journey of exploration into the practices of yoga. The desire for personal growth blossoms and yoga becomes an integral part of one's lifestyle.

You don't have to live in an ashram or deal with gurus. The daily practice, the daily arrival at yourself are enough to make progress and to dive deeper.

No matter whether you want more relaxation, joie de vivre or physical health, the yoga practice will support you in all these areas and ensure more well-being and an increased quality of life.


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