A HEALTHY MIND IN A HEALTHY BODY…



A motorcar, left standing unused for a long period of time, will take a while to get started and then will splutter and jerk spasmodically until all its systems have warmed up and begin to function in unison. Likewise, our bodies. Joints that are under-utilised become stiff and rheumatic, muscles lose their tone, putting strain on our skeletal system, particularly the spine, our skin loses its vitality and we suffer digestive and various other ailments. In other words, dis-ease sets in.

Hatha yoga is an ancient system of physical exercise originating in India more than two thousand years ago. It can help to alleviate many of the symptoms of dis-ease. The word “yoga” means “union”- of body, mind and spirit. The asanas (postures) are held for some time, rather than vigorously repeated, creating strength and balance, increasing one’s powers of concentration and one’s awareness of how one’s body works. The postures increase the movement in one’s joints and stretch and release tight muscles, thereby improving one’s posture, blood circulation and the transmission of nervous energy. Mental and emotional tension is released through working in the postures, as well as through the breathing and relaxation techniques. The practice of Hatha Yoga allows us temporarily to withdraw from the hectic bustle of life to find tranquillity and a quiet space within ourselves. It is not a religion, but a way of life that enhances one’s vitality and one’s feeling of physical and mental well-being.

This article presents just a brief overview of Hatha Yoga and is the first in a series on the asanas. In future articles I shall be dealing with specific postures and their particular effects on different parts of the body, starting with postures that are particularly beneficial for the spine.

Finally, please don’t be daunted or intimidated by the pictures you might see of experienced yoga practitioners standing on their heads or wrapping their legs around their necks. Just as we all can’t climb Everest or paint Picasso-esque pictures, so too we cannot all sit in the lotus position or bring our heads to our knees. That is the beauty of yoga- we all work according to our own abilities and with our specific limitations and still can derive great benefit from every position. And it is worth bearing in mind that…

“Even among the insects, in this world,
Some are good at singing,
Some bad.”
( Issa - Japanese Haiku Poems)

but they all still have fun just singing!
Viv

Viv@scenicsouth.co.za