Okay, we’re still discussing how to be “holistically healthy”.
To recap:
Holistic Health is harmony and balance within all aspects of self – body, mind, spirit and emotions.
Each of us is born with a unique balance that makes us who we are and determines our strengths and weaknesses. A holistic approach brings an awareness and respect for the influence each aspect of a person’s life has on all others. The whole lifestyle of the person is addressed, taking into consideration diet, exercise, the mind and emotions, one’s spiritual outlook, and the interaction between family, friends, co-workers, society and nature.
For most of our modern health complaints (the lifestyle, stress, and behavioral disorders), natural, holistic self-care methods are a viable alternative to drug-dependence, side effects, and expensive intervention. The fundamental premise is that your body knows how to be well, given the proper support.
Okay……got that?!? Alrighty then, let’s learn about some of the exercises that support this holistic approach. Although, any exercise is better than none, and everyone’s personality and thresholds are different, the one word that pops up when you google “holistic” and “exercise” more than others is YOGA.
Yoga is the Hindu practice of physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. The goal of yoga, or of the person practicing yoga, is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility while meditating on the Hindu concept of divinity or Brahman. The word is associated with meditative practices in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism.
The goals of yoga are varied and range from improving health to achieving moksha. Within the Hindu monist schools of Advaita Vedanta, Shaivism and Jainism, the goal of yoga takes the form of moksha, which is liberation from all worldly suffering and the cycle of birth and death, at which point there is a realization of identity with the Supreme Brahman.
ummm, okay. OR! Here’s another summay from the National Yoga Foundation:
Yoga isn’t just a physical exercise program. It is a scientific system designed to generate greater clarity and harmony in life. With a regular practice, individuals often notice a stronger, slimmer and more flexible body, in addition to a mentally sharper, more patient and relaxed sense of self.
Many health and fitness programs are difficult to maintain because they are rooted in an overall negative attitude – that you are inadequate and need to “fix” yourself. Negativity is a lousy motivator. Yoga, on the other hand, meets you exactly where you are and does not judge. By practicing yoga you have the opportunity to improve your health with a positive, non-forceful approach.
Its my understanding, and this wasn’t ALWAYS my understanding, but Yoga is HARD! Nothing comfy about these pics! Of course that’s not the purpose of exercise anyway LOL, but I’ve never been the most limber of people. The thought of twisting and contorting like a circus freak makes me cramp up just thinking about it.
How bout you? http://halifaxartfestival.com/viagra. Who has tried yoga, love it, hate it, just “meh”?