Yoga: A Step Towards Spirituality

Yoga: A Step Towards Spirituality

What is Spirituality?

Spirituality means to have experience of the higher power or the divine force that is beyond the limits of the physical world. This is the feeling that comes from inside and is achieved with lots of effort and complete devotion. Spirituality gives our lives meaning which brings us peace of mind. It gives a deep sense of aliveness.

Spirituality is not confined to any religion. It is the aspect of humanity and connects humans to divine power. People who go in search of the meaning of life attain spirituality. Everyone has their own means to attain it, some follow religious ways, some devote their lives for humanity’s sake, etc. But the goal is the same that is to find purpose in life and get connected to the supreme power.

Benefits of Being Spiritual:

Being spiritual brings you several benefits. Some are mentioned below:

• The person feels connected to the supreme power and this gives his/her life meaning and a purpose.
• It helps to reduce the levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Thus the overall mental health of a person is improved.
• It gives you clarity of the things that are happening in your life and brings your life out of confusion.
• It gives a sense of self-awareness that makes you a great decision-maker.
• The practice of meditation keeps your mind calm and that results in several health benefits, such as blood pressure levels remain controlled, immunity levels are improved, etc.
• The sense of interconnectedness attained through spirituality makes your social life better by improving your social connections and positive relationships with others.
• It makes a person selfless and such a person can contribute a lot to the well-being of society.
• It helps to cultivate the wonderful feelings of empathy and compassion that make a person generous and kind. Thus spirituality turns a person into a great human being.
• It makes a person resilient that enables him/her to withstand any adversity strongly and bounce back from difficult life events.
• It helps you in shaping as a happy-go-lucky person.
• It increases the longevity of life span because it keeps your mind and body healthy which are essential for a long and happy life.
• It enriches a person’s life with positivity, happiness, and contentment.

Yoga and Spirituality: The Connection

Yoga has physical as well as spiritual aspect that emphasizes the attainment of peace and clarity of mind. It helps in controlling your mind, body, and soul and that is the base of spirituality. The benefits of spirituality are almost similar to that of Yoga. 

Both Yoga and spirituality work on a person’s mental as well as physical well-being. So, Yoga and spirituality are basically interconnected. In other words, you can say that Yoga is a means to achieve spirituality by working toward higher levels of consciousness through self-discovery. Yoga practice is associated with increased levels of spiritual health.

Spiritual Laws of Yoga:

In order to understand the power of spiritual yoga, it is necessary to know about the seven spiritual laws of yoga. These laws are made on the basis of ancient knowledge about yoga practices and offer deep insight into how yoga manifests various emotions in a person.

1. The Law of Pure Potentiality:

This law is related to the potential power of a human. We all have the potential to achieve whatever we wish for but with time and due to the negative events in our lives, we start to underestimate our potential. This law tells us that we have unlimited potential inside us that we need to unleash to turn the impossible into possible. The practices of meditation and mindfulness help us in knowing our real potential.

1. The Law of Giving and Receiving:

Giving and receiving, are two sides of the same coin and are needed to keep the circle of life going. Life is not about just receiving but about giving also. This law is related to this aspect. It tells us that maintain that it is necessary to maintain balance by transferring the good to others that we receive. One should learn to show his/her love, gratitude, and appreciation. It will cultivate a sense of bonding. And this beautiful circle must go on.

1. The Law of Karma or The Law of Cause and Effect:

‘Each action has an equal or opposite reaction’, this is the essence of this law. Whatever we do in our lives, comes back to us, but not necessarily from the same person. So, keep good intentions and do good to make your Karma good, so that you receive good. Only your karma will decide what you will get in life.

1. The Law of Least Effort:

This law is related to the achievement of goals by putting in our least effort. This law says that we can achieve whatever we wish for with ease and grace by going with the natural flow of the universe, rather than struggling against it. Accept what is happening right now and trust that it will take you toward your aim. This also helps in saving your energy.

1. The Law of Intention and Desire:

Intentions and desires are inseparable parts of human life. Our intentions and desires have the potential to shape our reality. This law says that once you align your intentions and desires with the universe, you will realize them with the least effort.

1. The Law of Detachment:

According to this law, one must concentrate on the action and keep himself/herself detached from outcomes. Do your best and leave the rest to God. Whatever He will do, it will be for your best. Attachment to the outcomes keeps you worried always. So, this law helps in attaining greater peace of mind and happiness by keeping your trust intact in the universe.

1. The Law of Dharma:

This law says that each one of us is born with a purpose in our lives and we can find greater fulfillment and joy by aligning ourselves with this purpose. Just find that purpose and start working in achieving it.

How to Achieve Spirituality with Yoga?

You can attain spirituality with the help of Yoga asanas. These asanas will also help in calming your body and mind. Some useful Yoga asanas for this purpose are mentioned below:

• Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
• Utkatasana (Chair Pose)
• Balasana (Child’s Pose)
• Virabhadrasana (Warrior Pose)
• Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)
• Padmasana (Lotus Pose)
• Shavasana (Corpse Pose)

Spiritual Benefits of Doing Yoga:

Yoga offers the following spiritual benefits:

• It promotes the connection between mind, body, and soul.
• It cultivates a greater sense of inner awareness and stillness.
• It calms the mind and body which helps you to enter a more receptive and open state to have spiritual experiences.
• It makes you self-aware about your feelings and thoughts and you can gain greater insight into your spiritual path and purpose.
• It makes you feel connected with others and this helps in improving your social and personal circle.
• It makes you a compassionate and kind human being who is a great asset to society and humanity.
• It helps in making your personal relationships beautiful as you as a person gives your best for the well-being of your relationships.
• It removes negativity from your life and turns you into a positive person.
• It improves your emotional health and reduces anxiety and depression.
• It makes you feel full of energy and keeps your mind at peace.
• It generates a wonderful habit of self-discipline in you.
• It helps you in learning to lead an emotionally balanced life.

Conclusion:

Summarising, deepen your practice of Yoga, feel connected to the supreme power, and soar high with your spirit. Just say ‘Yes’ to life with Yoga.