By Angela Liburd
Yoga Instructor

It should not be a question of why do yoga everyday?…. But instead why not do yoga everyday should be the thought considering the many benefits of yoga. Some of which include the ability to maintain and restore the healthy structure of the body to maximise its efficiency and slowing down of the process of deterioration.

How does that work you might ask? Doing yoga helps you find a peaceful state within, therefore is a great stress- buster and the stretching, turning and twisting of internal organs, whilst in various postures helps cells to be nourished and rejuvenated making them more effective. The body remains agile and you begin your journey to experiencing long term benefits? As you mature in life with a straight spine you will continue to enjoy life with the joy of feeling young. Maturity of the mind includes the ability to maintain focus, retain a peaceful nature in the event of trauma and development of wisdom….. all good reasons to do yoga on a daily basis!

As previously alluded to (Yoga for Health; Kittivisian Life 2009) Yoga is a philosophy, a way of living and does not pertain to any religion, denomination, creed or race, therefore is meant for everyone and can be done by anyone. As life is a discovery, yoga is a way to discover/ rediscover ourselves. The asanas or postures are the physical ‘exercise’ part of yoga which helps you to keep the stretch & rotation in your spine and an openness of the lungs, body and mind. Yoga is illustrated in a book titled ‘See how yoga feels’ by Su Sareen (2009) is brief and has a gentle approach demonstrating how yoga can be beneficial.

Many say that they are not supple enough to do yoga, but this is a purpose of yoga, from simply standing firm on your feet with toes spreading to being able to balance on your head you can work through each body structure to allow openness and softness within. Combined with an external strength, firmness and flexibility anything is possible. Yoga helps with meditation and the ability to experience inner peace irrespective of the external turmoil that one encounters in daily life.

Just a reminder yoga means to join, to yoke – it is the union of mind and body towards unification of the universe. Geeta Iyengar (2009) purports that yoga is a binding thread which unifies all of us from different cultures and backgrounds.

Muata Ashby (1998) claims that yoga is neither a religion nor a philosophy, but agrees with the notion that yoga is a way of life or discipline for promoting greater fullness and experience of life, physically, mentally and spiritually. It is recognised in literature that endorphins are feel-good hormones that can be enhanced by exercise. Yoga helps to dispel negative emotions, feelings and thoughts that might be responsible for delaying achievement and success, it also helps you to overcome obstacles by being able to reflect on situations and explore more positive outcomes and apply a different approach in future scenarios.

Consequently if you are able to cultivate a healthy strong mind the capacity for acting correctly, eliciting positive emotions and making the correct decisions are enhanced.
We seek for ways to improve ourselves yet Ashby (2002 p 37) as an advocate of the world states that it is known that yoga is the heart of the science of self improvement. He continues that anyone who is willing to work at the art of self development can be happy, moving from the Lower Self to the Higher Self.

To conclude from Ashby again who claims that yoga is not just a form of exercise for relaxation but a vast philosophy of ways to conduct a spiritual life. With a combination of spiritual disciplines a person can be helped to success in the struggle of life discovering their Higher Self. As this is a daily journey throughout one’s life the question really should be Why Shouldn’t You Do Yoga Everyday?

Angela, as well a being a Yoga teacher is also a Midwifery Teacher (available for ante natal classes), a Massage Therapist & Aromatherapist and Reiki Master. If you would like to contact Angela, please send an email to us here at Kittivisian Life and we will forward to her for her attention.

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