Yoga-Meditations

Yoga positions are meant to bring mind, body and spirit together in harmony. Yoga practice should be started under the guidance of a qualified and certified yoga instructor on one to one basis.There are some basic positions for beginners that involve movements of various parts of body to increase stamina and flexibility, like movements of Neck, shoulder, hand, Leg and Knee.

The following are some of yoga positions for beginners:

Tadasana (Mountain Yoga Pose) is a posture of relaxed strength and composure, centre the body and focus breath. ‘Tada’ means “mountain”. Beginners should practice against a wall initially. It is done by bringing shoulder blades down into your back and rests them along with heels; the feet should be kept a few inches apart to gain improved balance.

Breath: More than 20,000 breaths are taken by an average person in a day which is generally not deep and rather rapid chest breaths. American Fitness Professionals & Associates have also recommended certain methods to learn taking breathing properly.

Virabhadrasana, (Warrior Pose) is a posture that represents yogi’s spiritual strength. This position has many variations and is very accessible for beginners.

Trikonasana (Triangle Pose), in Sanskrit trikona means ‘three angles’. This pose roots the spirit of the practitioner with earth.

Paschimottana (Seated Forward Bend) provides calm and wonderful stretch.

Urdhva mukha svanasana (Upward facing Dog Pose) is a part of sun salutation sequence. But this healing pose can be performed independently also.

A modified Ardha Matsyendrasana (Seated Spinal Twist) releases deeper energy from body.

Padmasana (Lotus Pose) is a traditional pose in yoga. Many yogis move into this posture before meditation. ‘Padma’ in Sanskrit means ‘lotus’ which symbolizes peace and enlightenment.

Shavasana or Mritasana (Corpse Pose) is a healthy & restorative pose which is usually done at the end of yoga practices.

It should be kept in mind that Asana (postures) comes third in Ashtanga Yoga and helps in achieving concentration power, mind-control and physical health. Yoga is not an exercise which involves speedy movements; rather yoga involves slow and steady movements.