IMPROVING THE BODY WITH YOGA

Articles In This Section:

· NOTHING MAGICAL IN YOGA

· YOUR BODY

· RELEASING STRESS WITH YOGA

· PURPOSE OF BREATHING

· PROER BREATHING

· DYNAMIC BREATHING EXERCISE

· METHODS OF RELAXATION

· YOGA DEVELOPED BY WATCHING ANIMALS

· IMPROVING THE BODY WITH YOGA

As the tone of the body improves and rest becomes more thorough, metabolism too begins to improve. There is less need for food, since whatever food is taken in is digested and utilized to the last molecule. Hence weight problems begin to disappear. The overweight see their fat burn away while the underweight begin to gain as food begins to do them some good. Next the body, physiologically on its toes, is able to throw off infection, sore throats, migraine and the many ailments of creeping middle age. Specifically the whole gamut of joint diseases such as arthritis, rheumatism and neuritis recede under the double offensive of improved circulation and gently-limbering exercise.

In India it is not at all uncommon to meet Yogis a hundred years old and older. These men, after years of study and concentration, often are capable of amazing feats. It is not rare to hear of long fasts, of breathing so controlled it approaches what in the animal world is called a state of hibernation. Yogis often also develop total indifference to pain. The men who lie on beds of nails, who allow themselves to be buried alive for days on end, may be fakirs but not necessarily fakers. It has been done, and will be done many times again. For what they have developed is the ability to exist in a state of suspended animation.

Naturally, this book cannot be expected to teach the Westerner any such refinements of performance. Aside from the dangers we have already mentioned, it is doubtful that most students would be interested. Rather let us decide soberly and realistically on a modest program of attainment which, just as a beginning, might include the triple goal of greater peace of mind, greater self-knowledge and improved health. If we do that much we may find ourselves, in a surprisingly short time, embarking on second youth—a youth made joyous by added wisdom, a new-found serenity and, consequently, happier relationships with those around us. Best of all, these goals may be achieved within the limited time we have at our disposal, with only a reasonable store of patience and well within the scope of activities of our everyday life.