Spiritual Yoga

Just me on my yoga mat doing yoga things

So as I mentioned in this post, I've recently started yoga and I just want to reiterate what I've said before - it is sensational. 

I'm the type that does computer work 10 hours a day and as a result I tend to get very stiff in the neck and shoulders. Yoga has helped me loosen up a bit.

But really, the reason I say yoga is sensational isn't just because it's help my body, but more because it has affected me spiritually. I am first and foremost, a practicing Muslim and in no way do I engage with the " spiritual " side of yoga i.e. the chants and beliefs etc. I take yoga as an exercise. But, having done yoga for over a month now, I've seen some stark differences in the quality of my solat.

So here's what yoga is from my perspective; it consist of 3 components:

1. Movement
2. Breathing
3. Mind

It's not just about how we pose, but it's a combination of all three where we have to coordinate our movements with our inhales, exhales as well as our thoughts.

Basically, they teach us to constantly be aware of what's going on in our body i.e. the rhythm of our breathing, the sensation as our heart beats, the feeling of gravity on pulling on our body etc.

To be honest, during my first class, I didn't even bother with the coordination. I just focused on the movements because all I wanted was a little bit of stretching. But after a while I found that I was becoming more aware of my movements during solat. My mind was focused on actually doing and paying attention to the movements, not just doing them for the sake of routine.

I honestly do struggle to keep my concentration on my prayers sometimes, and it comes to a point where I'm so used to praying, it becomes routine and I do it without thinking. But I honestly feel that solat is more than just doing it but rather something we embrace.

Yoga has actually helped me embrace my prayers more, which I'm so thankful for. It makes me happier when I pray because I'm more aware of where my thoughts go and is able to bring it back to what I'm doing. Of course, there are times when my mind travels elsewhere, but it's always a work in progress. I can only work and hope to be better spiritually everyday.

Nonetheless, even if your prayers are already on point, yoga is still a good way to build flexibility, strength and balance. It's definitely good exercise and I'd definitely give it 10/10 rating.

And you sort of look cool doing it too