How to Start the Adventure with Yoga

By Bipin Baloni

Posted 5 years agoHEALTH

Yoga emerged as a way of life in Ancient India. Since then, it has been a major guiding light for Indian society and its people. Nowadays, the teachings and philosophies of Yoga have continued to have a huge impact on the living styles of people from around the world. Yoga is an amalgamation of physical and spiritual beauty.

Hey dude,

I need you to read this. 

No, you don’t have to think just right now, do as you’ve been told to. 

A bit of an effort but, you will NOT regret doing this.

Go buy a yoga mat.

With such a sedentary lifestyle and the kind of stress your mind and body endure, you need yoga to create movement in the body, stretch your muscle, open your mind and release those toxins. 

Studies show that men benefit more with yoga than women. So, you better get on it!

Benefits of Yoga: 5 Ways Yoga Can Make You More Productive at Work

The idea of incorporating yoga into our workplace is not a new thing by any means; HBO, Apple, Nike and many other globally recognized companies offer yoga classes to their employees as part of their corporate wellness program. They must be doing it for a reason, right?

To most people, it might seem obvious that a yoga session every now and then could help to relax in the middle of a busy working day. You take a break to stretch your muscles and put your duties aside for a bit. But that kind of brief relaxation is not what makes yogis more productive at work; for that matter, a massage gives the same benefits.

Yoga is much more than a bunch of acrobatic postures on the mat, and to really gain long-term productivity through it, one has to buy into the yogic philosophy and use that ancient knowledge to generate better results during our working hours.

If you manage to become a regular practitioner and commit to the ideology of a yogi, you’ll soon find out that the things you learn in yoga come naturally to your aid when you need them the most. They’ll help you to get better results at work while feeling good. Here are 5 ways how being a yogi can pay off at work.

1. Discipline to stick to routines

When you become a dedicated practitioner, hopping on the mat becomes almost second nature; it’s part of your daily routine and it even feels like a ritual. This habit can be very useful in a work context.

It’s not easy to have the discipline to be productive every day, but having a specific ritual could help you focus and get more things done at work. For example, you could create the habit of starting every Monday by writing down all the objectives you have for the week; or setting specific times to check emails, to do more daunting tasks, and also to take breaks to free up your mind.

In addition, the feeling that comes with getting something done first thing in the morning (in this case a yoga sequence), helps to build up momentum for the rest of the day. Usually, the way you start your day, determines how the rest will unfold, and once you strike a handstand on the mat, the reports on your desk won’t look as hard to do.

In yoga, as in work and life, without the discipline to practice constantly, the results will never come!

2. Avoid stress through breathing tecnhiques

Yoga teaches us to master our bodies and create energy by controlling our breath. This what is called pranayama and there are several techniques to practice it. And the good news it that you can do most of them sitting at your desk while working!

It’s understandable that there are going to be super busy days win which it is hard to catch your breath, but with pranayama it is possible to relax and relieve stress even during those stressful moments. Just use one of these breathing exercises and you will soon regain your energies and mindfulness, and you’ll be able to keep calm even in the middle of the most chaotic days.

3. Access to poses that heal the aches of long working hours

Back pain and neck pain are some of the ailments derived from the stress of work and long periods of time sitting in front of a computer, often times not in the best posture. To heal these aches, you do have to recur to the asana limb of yoga, which is the most popular one involving body poses on the mat.

The best part is that you can even prevent these pains instead of just healing them; by starting your day with a sequence that includes postures for the spine, you’ll warm it up to be seated for the next couple of hours and it will gain flexibility. Another alternative is to take 10 minutes in the middle of your working day to do a few asanas to ease the tension in your neck and shoulders.

4. Ability to better concentrate

Even some of the most basic yoga poses require full concentration to keep the balance and maintain the necessary strength. You have to go from one pose to the next one without distractions and totally aware of what’s going on with your body. When you get used to do it for 60 to 90 minutes, it just becomes a habit that can be easily applied at work, going from one task to the other without interruptions.

Mindfulness is one of the most relevant traits of highly productive people, and guess what? That’s basically what yoga and meditation are all about!

5. Enhanced patience with everything and everyone

It’s normal to have a certain coworker or client with whom you just don’t click, and the stress and bad humor caused by that relationship, could really hinder your productivity. The same happens with those simple yet unfortunate situations that could frustrate us. Maybe it is a package that didn’t arrive on time, the phone ringing in the middle of a meeting, or the printer breaking down when you need it the most.

All these circumstances can be better swelled by living the harmonious yogic lifestyle. The yoga philosophy understands that things go wrong and that’s fine too. While the mat teaches you to be patient, knowing that it requires a lot of time and effort to strike the most difficult poses. In other words, yoga gives you a more “Zen attitude” to deal with difficulties and by letting all troubles go, you can focus on more important things.

Therefore, if you’re lucky enough to work for a company (or own it) that offers yoga classes as part of your perks, I encourage you to go beyond the short break that it represents, and truly use all the tools that yoga gives to be more productive.

Standing Forward Fold

This particular asana opens the back, hips thus, preparing the body for deeper forward bends. One of the most important elements of the Sun Salutation. This pose is primarily to calm and rejuvenate the mind relieving fatigue, headache, anxiety, stress, and tension. This Uttanasana gives your hamstring the much needed, intense stretch.

The more you relax, the deeper and the more intense your stretch lengthening your hamstring and calves. It also calms the heart and brain increasing focus and concentration. The Uttanasana helps to improve digestion as it’s said to stimulate the liver and kidneys. Practicing this pose has therapeutic effects for asthma, osteoporosis, high blood pressure.

Yoga needs to be done at your own pace. It might take you months to achieve the deepest variation of a pose, and maybe in some cases even longer. Don’t rush. Take your time cause this is about you and your body, not your place of work. Damage takes no time at all, Healing does.

Warrior One

Funny guy right?

With this pose, develop resistance, balance, and coordination by toning up the arms, abdomen, and arches of the feet, thighs, and back. It corrects your posture by stretching your shoulder, neck, and belly.

It also stretches the lungs and the chest thus, improving the breathing capacity. It provides therapeutic effects for those suffering from Sciatica pains. This pose also encourages greater flexibility, blood circulation by warming up the muscles. 

Focus on building a strong base and then build the pose upwards, reducing distractions and sharpening your energy. It has calming effects on the mind, increasing the brainpower and thus, making it sharper. 

Warrior pose is an extremely powerful stance as it increases body awareness by increasing mind and body awareness. You are a harmonious connection with your physical self, which is extremely beneficial for your sexual health as well!

This warrior pose helps you gain inner peace and inner strength thereby, opening your heart and developing courage. This pose can really be helpful for the ones who don’t want to take too much space and thus end up feeling small. It’ll help you become louder, making yourself heard. 

Chair Pose

Or the Thunderbolt pose, tones the entire body especially the hips and thighs getting your heart to race. See, not just your woman, even yoga can get your heart to race. So convenient guys!! 

It is said to increase strength and stamina for the day and is often used as the transitional component in the Suryanamaskar or Sun salutations. 

It tones the butt, hips, thighs, back and provides a therapeutic effect to the flat feet. Stretches the shins and the Achilles Tendons. It tones up the digestive system and holding this pose for just a few minutes can make your heart pump faster thus, increasing the blood circulation and metabolism. 

Utkatasana tones up the nervous system thus building the overall endurance. 

Downward Facing Dog

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Now, this is one pose the boys would love to learn as this one pose alone has so multiple benefits. 

This pose stretches, strengthens and energizes all the muscles of the body. Circulates blood to the brain. However, to reap all its benefits, you got to learn to down dog correctly. 

It strengthens the limbs. It works and strengthens your wrist preventing it from the Carpal Tunnel syndrome.  

The downward dog pose, actively engages your core area, drawing focus on both the lower and upper abdomen. It also simultaneously stretches and lengthens the sides of your waist. It tones up the abdomen and as well as all the abdominal organs. This pose helps to stretch and lengthen the spine through the crown of the brain. 

The bend in this pose ensures the hamstring and the calve muscles stretch. Not everybody is flexible. Most of us are stiff. Yoga helps to loosen up the body. In this pose, it requires you to keep your knees straight, but even if you fold them, you can still feel a good stretch on the back of your thighs. And as you lengthen your legs while lifting up your hips towards the ceiling, you gain strength. The blood flows directly to the brain when you have it below the heart. This pose might be a little tough to achieve for the beginners but it is has a number of benefits.

This pose helps you to increase your concentration span and heighten your energy. While bending when you allow your head to hang, you’re also releasing tension in the neck and spine. With this pose, you allow oxygen to into your body which will make you feel stronger, your lungs will expand, the spine will stretch and making you feel taller, sharper, and stronger.

Upward Facing Dog Pose 

Somewhat like the cobra pose. This pose you can see at the beginning of the article is performed usually while doing the Sun salutations series. The Upward Facing Dog pose just like the Downward facing dog pose has numerous benefits. This pose is known to strengthen the neck, spine, and limbs.

Most of the people have such bad postures. This particular asana corrects the backbone by lengthening the anterior spine and strengthening the posterior spine. Studies show that this pose increasing capacity – relieving the symptoms of asthma. 

The backbend while performing the Upward dog pose activates the abdominal organs for better functioning. The pose also tones the arms and legs and is known to open up the heart.

Alright young men, now we come to the athletes. You guys are obsessed with sports, ain’t y’all? 

With sports, come injuries and untreated injuries can be damaging in the longer run. Here is why the athletes, in particular, should be hooked onto this exercise. This exercise, because it can provide relief to all your aches and pains and gently repair all the wear and tear of your tissues and muscles. 

The Upward Dog Pose gently stretches the quadriceps i.e. the front thigh muscle and the hip flexors i.e. the front hip muscles so as to prevent the hamstring from being pulled. The footballers and racers need to perform this post regularly since they are prone to leg injuries and muscle tears. 

It also stretches and strengthens the wrist. Good for hockey, basketball, cricketers, and all those who have to use their wrists a lot whiling playing. 

Besides the above-mentioned benefits, this pose has the ability to expand your rib cage thus increasing your lung capacity. This should be done by everybody, especially the ones who have asthma as this increases your endurance. 

Yoga is highly underrated. These are known benefits of yoga poses mentioned. You never know the additional benefits that still remain unknown. But one should also always consult a doctor before performing poses, just in case it triggers something or anything as a benefit but for you, it’d be more like a disadvantage. You know what I mean right?

Like, there are yoga poses that help you lose weight. Now, weight loss is a benefit of that particular yoga pose. But if you are already slim or on the skinny side of the chart, it becomes a disadvantage for you cause you might further lose weight and become skinnier. 

Also, there are a few yoga poses that help you to gain weight. But if you are already on the heavy side, you’ll become heavier. Which is why consulting a good doctor before getting into yoga, in order to perform the ones that are relevant to you and would benefit you, instead of working against you. 

It is related to everything in this universe and can bring you peace of mind and boost your happiness and health. The ancient philosophy of Yoga stands for Union of all those things in and around you. When you go deeper into yogic science, you realize its essence in almost all aspects of life.

Since adventure is also a part of human life, Yoga has its influence on the thrilling aspect of life as well. Before learning how to raise the fondness of globetrotting with Yoga, let’s understand the life-long alliance of these two actions.

Yoga and Adventure

The depth of Yoga’s association with adventure is one of the most unmapped topics, feels many Yoga experts. Those, who understand spirituality and the ancient Indian history, claims that ancient science has been closely related to adventure, in fact, Yoga itself is an act of adventure. For instance, take into account the oldest living martial art form of Kalaripayattu.

This fighting system is entirely based on the theories of Yoga and has been taught alongside Yoga in many Yoga schools in India. Having originated in Kerala, India’s southernmost region, Kalari is everything an adventure can be. It is sensational, it is thrilling, and more importantly, Kalari is full of excitement.

Coming back to the normal practice of Yoga, which is again very much embedded into the elements of adventure. In the world of Yoga, you do not need to go on an adventurous vacation to experience the sensational flow of blood.

The beauty of Yoga promotes the feeling of exciting experiences in the life of a person. Advanced Yoga poses such as Bakasana, Koundinyasana, Kukkutasana, Astavakrasana, etc. put the body in the position of complexity, an important aspect of the adventure.

Let’s get prepared for adventure with Yoga exercises

How-to-Start-the-Adventure-with-Yoga

Yoga is diverse. It is filled with enormous beauty. As we have discussed above, Yoga is another way to enjoy the delight of an adventurous life. The ancient science is made of a number of practices and asanas that play huge roles in transforming one’s life into a beautiful journey.

Different momentary issues that originate on a travelling journey can be associated with the challenges that life throws at you every now and then. Here yogic poses play their parts. Since having good health is of immense importance in order to enjoy adventure, yogic exercises help you live your life to the fullest.

Have a look at some of the Yoga poses that gives firmness to the body, promotes blood circulation, and lets the body metabolism work with complete efficiency

  • Chakrasana: Chakrasana stands for the Wheel Pose. It is one of the most dynamic Yoga poses. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this pose is a representation of Yoga’s flexibility in the true sense. Also known as Urdhva Dhanurasana, the exercise involves almost all the body parts, from head to toe and nurtures the body in an astonishing fashion. To perform this asana, lie down on the back. Bend your knees to bring the feet completely in touch with the mat and the lower legs perpendicular to the ground. Slowly and steadily, fetch your body towards the knees while lifting the chest upward by pushing the ground with the palms. Come into the position of a wheel with the palms and soles holding the body weight. Your abdomen should be at the highest point. Keep the spine lengthened and the chest open.

The backbending exercise is very effective in elongating various parts of the body. It tones the thigh muscles and makes the body athletic.

  • Natarajasana: Nataraja depicts Lord Shiva and his cosmic energy in the form of dance. The classical dance form is the incarnation of Shiva’s vibrant power that he carries with himself. When the same passion and power merge with the fire of Yoga, it manufactures the beauty of Natarajasana. The pose is everything that one needs to begin a sparkling journey. It is all about vibrancy that one needs during a thrilling experience. It is known as Lord of the ring pose and is useful not only in maintaining your health but also encouraging you to take the road not taken.

Begin the performance of this asana by standing on the Yoga mat in a straight line. Bend the left knee while bending the body in the forward direction to balance yourself on the right foot.

By fetching the left hand backward, hold the toe. Raise your right hand on the air in such a way that it remains parallel with the ground. Make sure the right foot is perfectly placed without bending the knee. Balance the body in this pose for at least 2-3 minutes before changing the side to complete the pose.

  • Bakasana: Among the highly challenging poses of Yoga, Bakasana has its name written. It is an extremely beautiful exercise that has its impacts on the thighs, arms, spine, etc. Bakasana is Sanskrit for Crow Pose, owing to the practice’ impersonation as a Crow. The pair of hands act as the crow’s legs. During the asana, the whole weight of the body is supported on the palms that lie flat on the mat. The knees are placed on the arms to assist the hips, thighs, and lower spine stay in the air. The Yoga asana is entirely based on the principle of enjoying a daring way of life. While practicing the exercise, when you look down towards the ground, you will know what courage is. Bakasana transforms you into a risk-taking person, enabling you to relish every bit of the breathtaking journey you take during an adventurous holiday.
  • Malasana: Malasana is a Hatha Yoga asana that is extremely influential for your thighs and legs. Everybody, who is willing to go on an adventurous trip, should prepare the body and mind with the practice of Malasana. The Garland Pose is a sitting exercise in which the body weight is placed on the soles with the toes facing opposite sides. The palms are joined in Namaskar with the elbows helping the thighs getting spread. You can take the help of this practice to strengthen your thighs, hips, and spine – three of the most important body parts playing significant roles in the success of a thrilling trip. This asana can encourage you to explore the beauty of this world with extreme fascination.
  • Kapotasana: As a globetrotter, you need to carry the load of your backpack on your shoulders. So, you need strong shoulders for that. In fact, the entire body should be in good shape if you are a constant traveler. In addition to being healthy, you should be conscious about your body flexibility. One gets different challenges, which he/she needs to face during adventurous trips. Kapotasana might be the best way to fix all your travelling worries. Give at least 10-15 minutes to the exercise of Pigeon Pose and get ready to enjoy thrilling experiences.

To do the asana, place your body in the Downward Dog position. Bring the right leg in the front direction in such a way that you seem to be sitting in the half-cross-legged pose. Keep the left leg completely in contact with the mat with the sole facing the ceiling. Directing the body weight forward and opening up the chest, bend the left knee to hold the foot by both your hands behind the back.

Thrill yourself with mindfulness

After the discussion about yoga asanas, let’s now talk about the practice and beauty of mindfulness. An extremely integral part of the ancient science of Yoga – Meditation has a huge influence on the mind, body, and soul of the practitioner.

Meditation is an adventurous act in its own term. Since you need to go to the deepest layers of your mind, it requires a lot of practice to control. At the end of a meditation session, all you receive is the refreshment of the utmost level, like what you experience after reaching the top of a snow-laden mountain. While hiking your way through the soul-stirring path of the mountain, you face difficulties and complexities. At the same time, the spellbinding sceneries around you motivate you to take a few more steps.

All you need is to recognize elements that motivate you and those which don’t. You have to choose the former ones. For that to happen, a clear mind with pouring thoughts is needed. There is no better natural way than Meditation to nourish an affirmative brain.

Begin your day with approx 10 minutes of Meditation in a completely serene environment. Yoga and health experts suggest practicing Yoga and Meditation early in the morning. You tends to be more mindful with constant practice.

They say there should be silence before a hurricane. Meditation really represents that silence before you experience the tremendous exuberance of thrilling activities. It prepares you to feel the ebullience of skiing in the Pacific, surfing in the Atlantic, and Rafting in the Ganges.

Bring out the courage to face the most challenging environment while paving your way to the height of adventure with Meditation. Learn how to keep yourself connected with the present while walking on the never-before-explored road. The yogic practice is probably the most amazing way to enjoy a composed life even in the scarcest of circumstances. Do Yoga, practice mindfulness, and enjoy the immense thrill.

Adventurous Yoga holiday

This world is huge – a blend of everything that a person wants to experience. When we combine the beauty of Yoga and the charm of adventure, what we get is nothing but inner bliss. Along with the globalization of Yoga, there have been demands for making ancient science more galvanizing then, emerged the idea of integrating Yoga and holidays. It’s also a great way to use your holidays not only to get a deep rest but also to work on yourself and meet like-minded people from around the world.

There are a number of places in India and the world where you can experience the blissfulness of Adventurous Yoga holidays. These retreats are organized in serene and picturesque locations mostly. In India, places such as Rishikesh, Gangtok, Ladakh, Goa, Kerala, etc. are known for such vacation trips.

Known as Yoga retreats, these programs turn out to be extremely amazing for travel-makers, thanks to the rejuvenating environment that they enjoy at the retreat centres. While you practice Yoga to bring harmony and health to the mind and body, you will also take a scintillating journey to the mountains.

Beach Yoga Retreats are also popular forms of Adventurous Yoga vacations. Most of these programs are organized near a beach and the ocean adventures are on display in these events. Some of the most famous places for Ocean adventure are Miami, Mexico, New Zealand, Caracas, Panama, etc. Feel the thrill of these places while getting pacified with the practice of Yoga.

The breathing factor of Adventure

Life can be summed up in the beauty of breathing. There is no life without breath. Inhaling and exhaling are not just bodily functions associated with the matter of life and death. Breathing is much more than we can imagine. Breathing brings harmony to each and every element of life. Talking about the thrill of enjoying a journey to the Himalayas, the process of breathing is extremely important.

One of Yoga’s most vivacious practices, Pranayama is all about breathing in and breathing out deeply. The yogic exercise of Pranayama can help you experience the depths of adventure in an awesome fashion. Sitting in a cross-legged position, enjoy deep breathing constantly. The practice is helpful for the health of the body in many ways. It boosts the circulation of blood so that you do not get tired easily when on an adventurous journey.

The process also purifies the red liquid, giving the body enormous reason to celebrate pleasure. The more you delve deeper into the delight of Pranayama, the better enjoyment you will be able to experience. You can practice this exercise on the hilltop, at the beach, in the jungle, etc. to feel the tranquility of the resonating environment.

The adventure begins with Yoga and ends with it too. If you are aspiring to combine the scintillation of Yoga and the spark of adventure, book a Yoga retreat or Yoga teacher training in India Bali, and Thailand. These kinds of events in the traditional home of Yoga can be more than a thrilling experience.

A Yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, the world Yoga capital tells you a lot about the relation of Yoga’s most ancient knowledge with the feeling of bliss and benediction. Set your foot on the sacred soil and embrace the spiritual fragrance while challenging the Himalayan height and exploring the deep waters of the Arabian Sea.

So, when we are talking about a pure un-affected source of knowledge, we can be damn sure that they took all the time that they could with putting this knowledge together. Making no mistakes and analyzing with a lot of contemplation and unadulterated spiritual energy.

Yoga was devised, when the ancient yogis, came into a realization of greater energy and a greater existence that was within the reach of everyone (every human being). This greater form of existence was beyond things like behavior, a personality, an understanding capability and all forms of attachment. The attachment was not as materialistic as it is in today’s date. But emotions were a big thing, ego, reputation, anger, joy and other such mind entrapping emotions were a big thing. 

The ancient yogis devised a way to surpass all these man-controlled emotions and moments to work towards the alignment of their body and mind. They devised a method of body movements with mind control to keep in their own control, the power of their body and their mind. Not curbing this power, but practicing and polishing this immense power in a way that it became one with their being. This power was no more a thing that needed an external force to keep tamed. They were the embodiment of their own power. 

To understand that the power of the mind and the power of the body have two different capacities and consequences; and to then create a way to align these powers and capacities; lead them to a realm of existence that was an enlightened realm of existence. This was the spiritual realm. 

In this realm there was no definition, no beginning, no end, and no limitations. This was the realm of the limitless flow of energy. This was the realm that was higher than the realm of an average human existence. 

This pristine knowledge was in its most unadulterated state in those times, in the times of yore. Talking about today’s scenario, where the entire understanding and aim of yoga has been tweaked to an unrecognizable state, one can only conclude that change is inevitable. 

This does not make me say that the contemporary face of yoga is the best face for you. Because the origination of this practice was knowledge so deep, people spent hundreds of years to correct and collect it. 

We as average intellect humans cannot spend that amount of time to dedicate ourselves to this holistic practice for the betterment of humankind. Especially with the pace at which we are heading towards the future, devotion to just one subject is almost impossible.

However as the debate of the traditional v/s modern yoga goes, there have been many important viewpoints made along the years. In an issue of a Swedish yoga magazine by the name BINDU, Swami Janakananada writes in his article, how for the sake of selling at a larger scale, gymnastics is called yoga. He believes that students have an unnecessary habit of modifying age-old teachings until it becomes an abomination or a mutation of some sort. He goes on to lead the conclusion to something that talks about how weeding this abomination becomes necessary at some point. The title of this debatable article was “Call it something else! The yogis are turning over in their graves.”

However there are people who debate that there are no yogis of that capacity and knowledge of the ones who created this practice any longer; that there are normal working class people merely working hard to maintain their health and happiness and work towards a balance in their lives. That these people who make the majority of yoga enthusiasts, want nothing more than a positive change in their lives, which of course is an automatic result of inducing yoga into one’s lifestyle. 

But how does one justify the concept of things like Beer-yoga? Where you get to become tipsy, while originally wanting to work on your health? It’s a fad. 

The world has seen a lot more kinds of these fads from wine-yoga to biriyani-yoga. 

The entire pillar of discipline and mind-control is reduced to nothingness with the amount of people attending these attractive classes. And it’s the 21st century who can stop anyone from doing anything at all right? 

But what they don’t realize is that the knowledge that people literally died for, to gather, a knowledge that can really work for the betterment of the entire mankind is being shunned in the noise of the fast-paced century. 

This is where I believe that traditional yoga and its preservation are so very essential and important

The travel of yoga from the east to the west invited all these fancy alterations. Swami Vivekananda has a huge role in this. It was swami Vivekananda who introduced yoga to the audience overseas.

Swami Vivekananda was an Indian scholar who travelled to the US to collect funds to work on India’s growing poverty issue, back in the 1800s. He addressed a lot of the American audience which started bringing him fame. He addressed the world parliament of religions. One such address that brought him instant fame was delivered at the first global interfaith dialogue held in Chicago in the year 1893. Slowly and surely as he travelled all throughout the US, he spread the word of yoga to all his listeners. 

He is known to spread the words of the great Indian Sage Patanjali. Sage Patanjali believed that the main aim of yoga was “isolation from existence and to reach a state of freedom from a mortal human life”. Patanjali believed that the root of all suffering was the attachment that humans had to all things that materialistically bound them; and to end this suffering, one must renounce all the materialistic things that created the illusion of affluence and the definition of a “worthy living”.

A counter motive to Vivekananda introducing yoga to the world was that he wanted the western world to dwell on some ancient eastern knowledge as the westerners had induced a lot of their own philosophies and religion wherever they went. Little did he know that his strategy of giving out knowledge would lead us to “Beer Yoga”?

Well as the world came to know about this ancient knowledge gradually, it really interested them. But more interesting to them was the outwardly benefits that yoga brought to them, and the aim of yoga started to get diluted in the pace of the 21st century. 

Thankfully, all this ancient wisdom was turned into sacred scriptures that are still only 70% of the raw knowledge. But it still leads the way when it comes to inspiration for an authentic yogic journey (for the yoga enthusiasts that understand the importance of authentication).

This sacred scripture is called the “Rig Veda” which is one of the four important Vedas (sacred Indian Scriptures). The 3 other Vedas were the Yajur Veda, Sam Veda and the Atharva Veda.

So what are the core philosophies behind the traditional/classical form of yoga as we know it?

Patanjali, the Great Indian sage composed the Yoga sutra, around 100BC and 500BC. In the Yoga Sutra, he discussed the Samkhya Philosophy; this is probably the most ancient Darsana (one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu Philosophies). What Samkhya means, is to split matter (or PRAKRTI) from spirit (or PURUSHA) in a similar fashion, the resonance of yoga comes by the detachment from the materialistic. Although yoga is a theistic idea and Samkhya is atheistic in nature, the idea of deliverance in both these ideas comes from detachment. 

Now one may not be capable of renouncing all that they have worked hard to possess, and attachments are natural in this scenario. And how can we learn to incorporate more and more of this acquired wisdom in your yogic practices. 

As it seems to me that change in fact, is inevitable; and an average person may find them, incapable of upholding the sources of the traditional ideal of yoga. But what they are capable of, as they adhere to a yogic journey in life, is that they can incorporate more of the core philosophies that make yoga, authentic; because as I understand this, authentication and maintaining authentication is a way to preserve the original and core values of anything that has a positive impact on mankind. 

The more important thing is that, today’s world is filled with malice, threats, greed, and all this that are decaying the mankind and its understanding. When the yogis created yoga, it led them to a state where they were capable of summoning the love and intellect within themselves. And I believe that that should be the goal to the journey of yoga. Today’s world could really do with this kind of a power. And this would probably work for the betterment of mankind, when they can refine their entire being. 

So does that mean we spend decades and centuries preserving what was lost? If possible yes please. But honestly it seems impossible. So why not stick to preserving what we can about yoga and disciplining ourselves, to become the change that the world needs? 

The conclusion that I derive in terms of yoga that is good for you is this (and with the reason). People practice yoga for different aims and achievements. Where contemporary yoga helps people fast-forward to their physical goals; traditional / classical yoga is the foundation to what we may understand as a holistic approach to wellness and a union of the body, the mind and the spirit

Traditional yoga helps you in a more incorporative sense than all that modern yoga would teach you. Traditional yoga truly helps you improve on your spiritual well being and it also helps you with connecting to your inner-self, the one which exists in a realm apart. If you are too bored of materialistic existence and its severe attachment issues, traditional yoga is the best form of practice for yourself.

10 Unusual Yoga Classes, You Would Not Believe Exist

In this part of the article, we are going to share ten unusual yoga classes that you may never have tried or heard about. They include Goat Yoga, Aqua Yoga, Naked Yoga, and many others.

Let’s get started.

1. Goat Yoga

Goat Yoga is one of the funny yoga classes you may want to try. Cat and Dog Yoga seem to be hot but this one is hotter of all the two.

This type of yoga involves having a little goat crawl and jump on your back as you stretch yourself. It’s fun and weird. Just search it on YouTube and give it a try. You will love it!

2. Naked Yoga

Huh!

Naked Yoga?

Yes, the name says it all, and many people are trying this yoga class because it creates awareness of your whole body as you stretch.

Naked yoga, also known as Noga or Nude Yoga is practiced in the nude. This is another unusual  yoga class that modern people have invented.

The good thing about this type of yoga is that you get to know how your whole body is responding. It’s also great when it comes to boosting self-esteem, because you learn to overcome anxieties related to your body image.

Usually, this type of yoga is reserved for women only or couples. And if you don’t feel comfortable about it, you can try it at home before you join a class. It’s strange but allows freedom of movements and gives you a better understanding of your beauty.

3. Water Yoga

If you have a swimming pool in your back yard, then you can try water yoga at home. Otherwise, take an aqua yoga class at your local gym or yoga studio. This is one of the most amazing yoga classes, because water makes everything better!

This type of yoga teaches you how to balance because you are stretching inside moving water. The buoyancy effect eases your joints.

4. Tantrum Yoga

This type of yoga was founded by Hemalayaa, an LA teacher in a bid to help people relieve themselves of the stress and negative emotions that occupy our minds.

You scream, kick, stomp your feet the same way children do while playing. Furthermore, this yoga will make you feel like a baby for a while and before you realize it, you’ve stretched all of your major muscle groups.

The secret to this yoga style is that it makes you feel relaxed and calm afterward so your body can digest the food you eat smoothly and effectively. Chances are that you’ve been practicing this type of yoga without knowing. Now you know. Get going!

5. Ganja Yoga

In his book- Ganja Yoga (which is available on Amazon), Dee Dussault, outlines the benefits of cannabis.

And yes, according to him, cannabis brings a sense of relaxation and peace within your body; it keeps you attentive and focused, and increases awareness and that’s exactly what you get when you practice Ganja Yoga.

This type of yoga is practiced mostly in California and other states that have legalized marijuana so you may want to find out before you face legal action in your state.

6. Laughter Yoga

Laughter heals. It stimulates the immune system, the brain, and triggers the release of endorphins- the feel-good hormone.

Perhaps that’s why Laughter Yoga University was founded, given the tons of benefits this type of yoga provides. More than 400 Laughter Clubs have been established in the US alone.

This type of yoga involves just laughing voluntarily as you do some exercises like breathing and laughing. It feels crazy but make no mistake to underestimate the power of this yoga class.

7. Beer Yoga

Do you love beer? Why not try this yoga?

Germany is the home of beer and perhaps that’s why this yoga class was invented. But it’s now getting embraced worldwide. Arguably, there are commonalities between yoga and beer, in how they both may heal the body and the mind, when used in moderation.

So why not drink a bottle of beer and join the masses?

8. Dog Yoga

Why not have your furry best friend practice yoga with you?

Your dog could teach you yoga poses you wouldn’t believe exists.

This type of yoga helps to unite you with your furry companion. You train him or her to imitate what you do and when he gets used to the poses, you do it all together. You may even want to practice with your four-legged friend on top of you.

9. Cat Yoga

Of course, you would expect it. If there is goat yoga, dog yoga, why not try cat yoga as well?

Well, there are no proven health benefits of Cat Yoga but like any other type of yoga out there, you cannot underestimate the power of this yoga class.

Take your cat and some mat and get cat yoga-ing.

10. SUP Yoga

If you love the water then this type of yoga is worth giving a try.  It’s a sports activity where you use a paddleboard and a paddle, usually in calm water. This type of yoga helps you to learn how to balance yourself without support other than a rocky paddleboard.

It’s a good option for people who want to try yoga on the beach or public pool. It requires a lot of balance though, so it may be not fit for beginner yogis.

Final Thoughts

Chances are that you never knew these fun yoga experiences existed. Some of these yoga classes haven’t gone international, but they are worth trying now that you’ve known them.

Let’s hear some of the unusual yoga classes you know in the comments section.

About the author Bipin Baloni

Bipin Baloni is a yoga teacher from India and his core specialization is in Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga. He organizes 200,300 and 500-hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh. He also conducts Yoga teacher training in Rishikesh. He loves writing and reading books related to yoga, health, nature and the Himalayas.

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