Swami Vivekananda was an Indian philosopher that lived in the latter years of the eighteenth century. He developed a unique philosophy which he called Asana, a holistic philosophy which he aimed to introduce to people all over the world. To this end he travelled to the Unites States and Canada. Asana, better known to most people as yoga, very quickly became immensely popular. Today many millions of people practice Asana in every country in the world. With yoga Ann Arbor MI residents hope to improve their bodies and their minds.
Even though millions of people practice Asana, many still think that it is some form of mystic religion and that it is in conflict with other religions. Others think that it is just a series of stretching exercises and poses that forms part of a physical fitness plan. Asana is not a religion at all. Instead, it is a philosophy that aims at holistically improving the body, mind and spirit.
There are indeed stretching exercises and poses that form an integral part of Asana. They are not the primary purpose of the philosophy, however. They are mere tools to help practitioners to focus and to concentrate. The exercises and poses differ according to the variation of Asana that is practiced. Some are more strenuous and others require very little or no physical strength or stamina.
Asana is ideal for families because they can attend classes together. This is because classes are normally made up of people at different levels of experience, different ages and different levels of physical fitness. There is never any form of competition involved in practicing Asana. Everyone progress at his own pace and learn new poses and exercises when he feels ready to progress to the next level.
There have been many studies focusing on Asana, especially its potential health benefits. It has been found that people suffering from high anxiety levels, depression and other mental conditions benefited greatly after taking up Asana. Those with hypertension, diabetes, arthritis and other diseases afflicting the joints and tendons also benefit. Improved flexibility and stronger muscles are also major benefits enjoyed by practitioners. It even improves the ability to concentrate.
Taking up Asana does not involve the purchase of costly equipment or special clothing. It can be practiced anywhere, even in isolation at home. Experienced practitioners advise that beginners should consider joining a class, however, even if just for a short while in order to learn the basics from an experienced practitioner. Anyone can take up Asana, even physically disabled people, those with mental disorders, the elderly and even young children.
Because there are many different versions of Asana, beginners often find it difficult to choose an approach that will work best for them. It will certainly help to join a studio that practices different versions and to try a few of them before deciding. There are also numerous books, magazines and websites that are useful in learning new poses and exercises.
It is not surprising that Asana is so popular all over the world. It offers numerous benefits and it has no drawbacks at all. Participants are never under pressure to perform better and practitioners say that Asana has made a big difference in the quality of their lives.
Even though millions of people practice Asana, many still think that it is some form of mystic religion and that it is in conflict with other religions. Others think that it is just a series of stretching exercises and poses that forms part of a physical fitness plan. Asana is not a religion at all. Instead, it is a philosophy that aims at holistically improving the body, mind and spirit.
There are indeed stretching exercises and poses that form an integral part of Asana. They are not the primary purpose of the philosophy, however. They are mere tools to help practitioners to focus and to concentrate. The exercises and poses differ according to the variation of Asana that is practiced. Some are more strenuous and others require very little or no physical strength or stamina.
Asana is ideal for families because they can attend classes together. This is because classes are normally made up of people at different levels of experience, different ages and different levels of physical fitness. There is never any form of competition involved in practicing Asana. Everyone progress at his own pace and learn new poses and exercises when he feels ready to progress to the next level.
There have been many studies focusing on Asana, especially its potential health benefits. It has been found that people suffering from high anxiety levels, depression and other mental conditions benefited greatly after taking up Asana. Those with hypertension, diabetes, arthritis and other diseases afflicting the joints and tendons also benefit. Improved flexibility and stronger muscles are also major benefits enjoyed by practitioners. It even improves the ability to concentrate.
Taking up Asana does not involve the purchase of costly equipment or special clothing. It can be practiced anywhere, even in isolation at home. Experienced practitioners advise that beginners should consider joining a class, however, even if just for a short while in order to learn the basics from an experienced practitioner. Anyone can take up Asana, even physically disabled people, those with mental disorders, the elderly and even young children.
Because there are many different versions of Asana, beginners often find it difficult to choose an approach that will work best for them. It will certainly help to join a studio that practices different versions and to try a few of them before deciding. There are also numerous books, magazines and websites that are useful in learning new poses and exercises.
It is not surprising that Asana is so popular all over the world. It offers numerous benefits and it has no drawbacks at all. Participants are never under pressure to perform better and practitioners say that Asana has made a big difference in the quality of their lives.
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