Yoga t eaches us that we possess a source of joy and wisdom already inside us, a fund of tranquillity that we can perceive and draw nourishment from the mind which is still. If we can channel this desire for contentment inward instead of attaching it to external objects that are by nature ephemeral, we can discover how to live in peace.
As Swami Vishnudevananda has written,
"Meditation does not come easily. A beautiful tree grows slowly. One must wait for it to blossom, the ripening of the fruit and the ultimate taste. The blossom of meditation is an inexpressible peace that permeates the entire being. Its fruit is simply ......undescribable"
Laughter reduces our stress levels by reducing the level of stress hormones and also helps us cope with serious illnesses.
Physiologically, laughter promotes healing, by lowering the blood pressure and by increasing the vascular blood flow and the oxygenation of the blood.
Physical fitness stemming from laughter is a benefit increasingly recognised recently.Scientists estimate that laughing 100 times is equivalent to a 10-minute workout on a rowing machine or upto 15 minutes on a stationary exercise bike. The mere act of laughing exercises the diaphragm as well as the abdominal, respiratory, facial, leg and back muscles.
Another benefit of laughter is that it improves our over-all mental health. Pent up negative emotions such as anger, fear and sadness can cause biochemical changes in our bodies that can produce a harmful effect.
Laughter provides a harmless outlet for these negative emotions and provides a coping mechanism for dealing with difficult or stressful situations.
Ideally, Laughing Yoga is conducted as a group activity for maximum benefit, as laughter by its very nature is infectious and tends to resonate to optimum levels when done in a group. It is highly recommended to be practiced by small groups in offices who would derive significant improvements in their stress levels and interpersonal interactions....adding to perceptible enhancement in efficiency and work output.
Both Sarvaangaasana (Shoulder Stand) and Halaasana (The Plough) help to keep the figure youtful with a smoother skin. Regular yoga practice has been observed to slow the appearance of ageing.Tension is relieved and insomnia cured. Moods, emotions and stress are regulated. Asthma can be regulated considerably by Matsyaasana (The Fish) while Paschimottanaasana (The Forward Bend) stimulates abdominal organs and regulates the pancreatic functions. Regular practice of aasanaas (Yogic postures) should relieve backpain, a common problem among ladies.
Bhujangaasana (The Cobra) is a powerful tonic, particularly for women, as it tones the ovaries and uterus. It is a strong antidote to take care of many utero-ovarine and menstrual problems and certain gynaec disorders. More than anything, these aasanaas display a remarkable property of slowing the ageing process and give a fresh and radiant look for which most females long for! (if not strive for)
