Yoga comes in many shapes and forms. This International Yoga Day, know how to make your yoga routine more effective by incorporating small changes.
The physical and mental benefits of Yoga are well known. Is there a way to make all those Surya Namaskars and Trikonasanas more effective? Yes, by engaging all our senses and making yoga an immersive experience. So important are the sense organs that, in ancient Hindu scriptures, each sense organ is governed by a presiding deity, responsible for the optimum function of that organ. What are some small changes you can make to get more out of your yoga routine? Read on to find out.
Smell
Our sense of smell has the ability to transport us. Perfume can take us to a field of jasmine flowers and the scent of wet earth can make us crave a hot cup of coffee. Make your yoga practice equally fragrant by lighting some special incense or candle before your practice. You can make it a ritual – take deep breaths and luxuriate in the fragrance. Say your affirmations or do your visualization activities during this time. Continue taking deep breaths, letting the scent of the candle gently wake up your entire body and set you in the right mood.
Taste
If you’ve ever seen sculptures of Greek gods being fed grapes and wine, you know that the sense of taste is a powerful one. Everyone has experienced the power of good food to instantly change our mood by releasing happy hormones into our system.
Most people like to start their day with a cup of strong coffee. However, try to wake up your tastebuds with some room temperature water infused with ginger, cucumber or mint. This will not only drench your tongue with freshness, but also serve to rev up your metabolism and flush out toxins from your system. Have sips of this water throughout your yoga session and feel the difference for yourself.
Touch
Perhaps the most sensuous of all is the sense of touch. To engage this sense, think about the skin – the largest organ of your body. Always wear the purest fabrics for your yoga practice, staying away from synthetic fabrics that can be restrictive and uncomfortable. In the summers, wear soft, pure cotton for your yoga session; while in the winter’s cocoon yourself in luxurious, warm knits. Feel these fabrics gently caressing your skin every time you fold forward or lengthen and strengthen your limbs.
Sound
What you listen to sends messages to your brain and, consequently, your mind. Pair your yoga practice with the gentle tunes of the sitar or tabla. Imagine the sound gently wafting in the breeze as you move through the sun salutations. You can also choose to listen to chanting – as these are known to uplift the mood, relax your mind and even send positive messages to your unconscious psyche. Eventually, you might even find yourself relaxing the instant you hear the first few notes of your chosen music.
Sight
Imagine walking into a cluttered room, or sitting at a cluttered desk. Then imagine the same space clean and tastefully decorated. It’s no rocket science that clutter makes us feel inhibited, ill at ease and devoid of inspiration. Similarly, if the designated place for our yoga practice is in disarray, then we won’t gravitate towards spending time practicing yoga there.
Dedicate a place in your house for yoga practice and place something special there. Such as a painting or a photo that reminds you of a happy memory. Some people even choose to place plants in their yoga space – not only do they look good, but they also ensure you get fresh oxygen – something that we can all do a bit more with!
