We’ve all heard that classic question when technology starts playing up; “have you tried switching it off and on again?” If your body and mind start playing up, it is possible to take the same approach. Yoga can help to reboot even the most frazzled of circuits, switching off stress and switching on a sense of peace, calm and contentedness. In the process, a whole host of other qualities receive a reboot too: joy, love, patience, compassion, clarity and creativity to name but a few.
The reason yoga is such an effective way to reboot is because it takes a multifaceted approach. Traditionally speaking, yoga is made up of eight ‘limbs:’ Yama (morals and social conduct), Niyama (personal values), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breathing techniques), Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), Dharana (focused concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (bliss or enlightenment).
No matter what your situation, dilemma or trouble in life, yoga offers a practical toolbox to bring you back to balance. The diverse range of practices available makes yoga truly suitable for everybody and every body, regardless of age, ability or experience. You certainly needn’t contort yourself into weird and wonderful shapes to be able to benefit from this ancient wisdom. Whilst the physical postures of yoga do work wonders for a surprising variety of bodily ailments, there is a depth to the practice both on and off the mat that is all too often overlooked.
Each of the eight limbs of yoga is designed to help us live meaningful, purposeful lives, at one with ourselves and those around us. Through regular yoga practice, we can learn to unite the breath, body and mind, ultimately cultivating a sense of ease in the present moment. By taking the time to switch off from our persistent battles with past and future imaginings, yoga helps us to switch off from the aversion and resistance that are the root causes of so much of our suffering. In doing so, we are able to tune into life and our own true nature with astute awareness; re-awakened and rebooted.