Yoga

Yoga means unity with God. God is consciousness and consciousness is in everything. Thus, yoga means unity with all that exists.

Everything that exists, exists in us as well. Thus, yoga means unity with oneself. How can one unify with the self? 

This unity is nothing but awareness of the one who experiences, observes and thinks. 

This is consciousness which is the base of existence. Realizing this base, makes us acknowledge the similarities between every fragment of existence. 

Awareness of this oneness is unity. 

Yogasanas are not exercises. Their goal is not to help us lose weight. Better health is just a side effect of yoga. Yogasanas are asanas or postures. 

They call for our will power to control our bodies and minds such that we can maintain  a posture for a desired period of time. The body may feel stretched, uncomfortable or shiver with weakness. That is where the power of the soul i.e. the will power comes in. 

Only by exercise of this power can we control the mind and the body, both of which, at times control us through urges, fickleness and distractions. 

In life, we cannot follow our word because we cannot control our minds and bodies. 

What is a word? A resolve or commitment or decision is nothing but something that we create. It exists because we create it and it will create something in existence if we stick by it. 

Yoga helps one become sane, stable, relaxed, peaceful and allows the soul to be in control. 

After all, it is the soul that has come to experience life. 

The question is, what is more important? Is it more important to bind ourselves to our word or seek pleasure and avoid pain as our minds want to do. 

The answer is simple. When it comes the basic survival, follow the Ego because the Soul is not afraid of death as it is deathless.

However, when it comes to things that do not harm your physical existence, follow the soul's word. 

Having integrity is one form of unity. 

It is said that the stomach is like a brain. Instincts are called gut feelings for a reason. Our emotions are stored in our visceral organs. The mind, body and soul are known to be different. However, they are connected and interdependent. Each one feeds into the other.  Respecting and being aware about this oneness is another form of unity. Ignoring emotions or physical ailments or even spiritual development are not sustainable ways to progress. 

The process of yoga brings us from movement to stability, from outside to inside, from despair to wholeness, from weakness to strength and from hopelessness to control. 

It is not only a treatment but  a disease prevention practice. It strengthens our awareness about our eternal strength and thus, is not only a practice for good health but a medium for self realization.