5 Ways Yoga Can Support Inner Peace

There are two things to note when it comes to harnessing your inner peace:  

Firstly, anyone, at any stage in their life, can evoke from within the inner peace they seek.  Secondly, inner peace is absolutely integral for the overall joy, happiness and wellbeing we as human beings need in order to live out our best lives.  

A recent poll has revealed that more than half of Europe’s workforce experiences mid to high levels of stress on a daily basis. The primary cause of this is attributed to their jobs. The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic has placed an additional burden on humanity’s stress levels. It is therefore imperative that each of us make finding and holding on to our inner tranquility, an ongoing priority.

The good news is that there is no ‘one size fits all’ remedy for achieving such serenity. There are in fact countless ways in which this can be attained.  One that many people find especially beneficial is yoga.  

What exactly is Toga and where did it originate?

Miriam Amselem, a yogi of nearly 30 years, synopsised yoga as follows, “Plain and simple, yoga is the union between the body, mind and spirit. That’s the origins of yoga and that’s how it is practiced in the East.  It is a place of discovery and connection with your own body that encompasses balance, proper stretching techniques, breathing, meditation, centering the mind and spirit — that’s yoga in its real form.”

As Amselem indicated, yoga is said to have been developed in the East - specifically, in the Southern Asian nation of India from as early as 3300 - 1900 BCE.  It represents one of the six  Āstika (orthodox) schools of the philosophical traditions of Hinduism.  Other religions in which the discipline of yoga has been embraced are Buddhism and Jainism.   

Although yoga has been in existence in the East for centuries, its popularity in the West only came to the fore in the 20th century.  The most common forms of yoga which have been inculcated in these parts of the world are the modern versions of hatha yoga, as well as yoga as exercise, which constitute mostly asanas (postures or positions).

What are the commonly cited benefits of Yoga?

 

The practice of yoga is immensely sought after, and there are numerous articles describing the physical, mental and spiritual benefits people experience through it. 

If you are considering yoga from a physical standpoint, here are some ways practitioners often describe it:

• Yoga keeps you moving and supports mobility
• Yoga encourages good posture
• Yoga helps you feel energised
• Yoga helps you unwind and relax
• Yoga strengthens your body 
• Yoga improves your flexibility and balance
• Yoga supports an active lifestyle

5 Ways Yoga Brings you Inner Peace 

One of the first ways that yoga can help engender inner peace is through the list mentioned above.  When we feel good in our bodies, we are freer from the worry and overall stresses of daily life.  The opposite is also true.  When our minds are in a state of tranquility, this transcends throughout our bodies as well.  It’s no wonder that people who regularly practice yoga have discovered that they have become calmer, more connected, more conscious and truly happier versions of themselves.

Here are five ways Yoga brings you the inner peace you need:

1. Yoga taps into your reservoir of deep calm 

Many teachers describe how yoga, particularly deep breathing techniques, can help you shift from a “fight or flight” feeling to a calmer, more relaxed state of “rest and digest”.

2. Yoga improves your happiness

Peace and happiness go hand in hand.  Many people find that a consistent yoga practice lifts their mood and helps them feel calmer and less stressed.

3. Yoga makes you more mindful

Mindful.org defines mindfulness as “the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.” Yoga plays a fundamental role in helping us to reach this state.  When our intentional breathing and movements are coordinated, and we focus entirely on the sensations of our body’s present state, the yoga we engage in becomes an exercise which brings forth the mindfulness we need.  Additionally, meditation, which is factored into many styles of yoga, is perhaps one of the most successful methods of attaining a state of mindfulness. 

4. Yoga makes you more attuned to Nature, which is excellent for a healthy mind

The mindfulness mentioned in the previous point which can be achieved through the practice of yoga and meditation, brings us into a harmonious place not only within ourselves, but with the beauty of nature around us.  There is a distinct correlation between the gentleness of nature and the inner tranquility we experience.  Many people find that the color green brings them into a soothing state of restfulness and cheer.  It’s no surprise that quite a number of people love to practice yoga in the open spaces of nature. 

5. Yoga uplifts you

Therese, a 27 year-old yoga practitioner from Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean, credits yoga for boosting her spirits every day.  “I feel proud of myself, and everyone else who regularly engages in yoga.  Yoga is so rewarding because it stretches me to learn more about my body - and my mind.  I breathe through the pain and reach a point where I am more and more in control of myself.  Yoga fills me with an uplifting feeling whenever I see the progress I make.  I am definitely a much more grateful, centered and joyful person.”

Learn more about the benefits of yoga from the experts here.

And when you are ready to wind down after a yoga session, why not pamper yourself even further with ANAS Crystal Care’s reinvigorating skincare line ranging from shower gels, to body milks, to body mists and more!