What is Yoga, basically?
Yoga has been around for thousands of years and yet remains totally relevant, drawing people from all walks of life in the 21st century. But what is yoga, exactly? What are we trying to do past the poses and deep breathing? And, most importantly, why does it hold such allure?
A quick history lesson
The history of yoga spans more than 5,000 years to ancient India. From the Sanskrit word “yuj,” meaning “to unite,” it was originally practised as a spiritual way of uniting the mind, the body and the spirit. Early yogis believed this union would help achieve harmony with oneself and the world around.
It was first introduced in the West during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, it only came into its own with practitioners from the 1960s and ’70s, when it started to acquire some truly iconic teachers and styles – remember the Beatles practising transcendental meditation at the Indian ashram? Though the ancient practice has evolved more than a little, the core purpose of yoga—connecting mind and body to achieve holistic wellbeing—remains exactly the same.
More than just exercise
At its very core, yoga is a physical practice involving a series of poses, known as asanas. These go from simple stretches to more challenging postures. It may look like just another fitness regime, but the goal is not solely physical fitness. Rather, the poses act as a gateway into calming the mind, fostering body awareness, and keeping us present in each moment.
Each asana is designed to activate specific muscle groups and energy channels, stimulating physical and mental awareness. Poses like “Mountain Pose” (Tadasana) help with balance and alignment; more intense poses, such as “Warrior” or “Downward-Facing Dog,” build strength and stamina. It’s not about getting the “perfect pose” but rather about tuning in with the body and honouring its limitations.
Focus and Concentration
Focus, or “Dharana” in Sanskrit, is one of the core principles of yoga. It is this aspect that differentiates yoga from most other forms of physical activity. Rather than rushing through movements, yoga teaches us to move with purpose, anchoring our awareness in the present. Focus begins on the mat, where each asana requires mental concentration to keep the body in balance and proper alignment.
With all of the distractions in today’s fast-moving world, many find yoga to be a mental reprieve from the noise. Practising concentration in yoga slowly begins to creep out into everyday life, helping yogis become more present in daily activities.
What’s with the breathing?
Known as “pranayama” in the yoga tradition, it is a fundamental element. In this sense, deep breathing techniques are important because they allow the normal flow of energy through the body. Accordingly, ancient yogis believed that breathing exercises could purify the mind and body of all impurities. This is borne out by modern research, which demonstrates how controlled breathing helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and diminishes stress.
With every deep, conscious breath you take, you set into motion the body’s “relaxation response,” which may lower your heart rate and blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and promote feelings of calm. We synchronise breath with movement in our practice, creating a rhythm that brings us into the present moment, allowing us to connect with ourselves.
So, what’s the point of Yoga?
For many, it’s a way to relieve stress and gain flexibility. On another level, it gives so much more: a path toward self-realisation and peace of mind. Combining physical movement with focused attention and control of breath, yoga encourages feelings of unity in body and mind. It’s about being in a state of mindfulness, rather than just “doing” yoga.
Yoga teaches us patience, resilience and self-compassion. It reminds us that progress takes time, and with that, we can be kind to ourselves, accepting who we are, whilst growing at the same time. The deepest aim is not touching your toes but, rather, touching something deeper inside yourself: finding balance in body and mind amidst life’s daily challenges.
Is it still relevant in the 21st Century?
Absolutely. In this noise-filled world of digital demands, it offers a respite. It’s a structured, intentional way of slowing down, tuning in and recalibrating. The focus on self-care has never been more necessary. The relevance of yoga exceeds mental health. The more we understand the mind-body connection, the more we realise the benefits of yoga in the physical realm: from better cardiovascular health and helping with mental clarity to decreasing symptoms of anxiety and depression, it’s an ancient solution for modern-day problems.
Why is it so popular?
Simply put – its accessibility and adaptability. It’s something anyone can take up, and age, level of fitness, or experience doesn’t count as barriers. All you need is a mat and a small space without any fancy equipment. It offers something for everyone, whether you are in search of physical fitness, mental clarity or spiritual growth. It’s also non-competitive, so it invites all people to participate at their own comfort level. Unlike many sports that often emphasise achieving, yoga encourages self-acceptance.
Intrigued? Try private yoga sessions with Emily at Mount Martha Yoga. As an experienced teacher of yoga in Mornington, Emily creates a safe space in her peaceful studio for people from all walks of life to experience the magic of this practice.
