By guest contributor: Sheila Johnson, Founder of WellSheila.net

Yoga means “unity” in Sanskrit, the language of ancient India. Invented by yogis, spiritualists who wanted a direct experience of the spiritual beyond cultural rituals, they developed a way to become one with mind, body, and spirit. Through daily practice, yoga uses postures and breathing to help you grow more in tune with yourself.

With yoga, you don’t just gain the physical benefits of circulation, muscle tone, and flexibility. You also gain a deeper sense of yourself. You become unified. Through personal unity, you become focused, actualised, and stronger in yourself.

A Few Minutes a Day

Some people dedicate their entire lives to yoga like the ancient yogis, but you don’t have to live your life meditating in a cave to gain the benefits of practicing yoga. If your life is busy, Treehugger explains you can still achieve focus, fitness, and a greater sense of personal unity by setting aside as little as seven minutes for yoga every day. In fact, you don’t even need to get yourself to a yoga studio to learn from an amazing teacher and follow guided lessons through the positions and routines that will free your body and mind.

Stream Your Yoga

One of the greatest things about modern technology is that even though our lives have sped up, relaxation has become more accessible. You can easily use a streaming device to access yoga lessons directly from your living room. What’s more, even if you only have a few minutes each day to practice, you’ll have an expert guiding you every step and position along your yoga journey.

If you’re going to be practicing at home when you’re not in the studio, your home needs to be a relaxing and positive space. Clean and open your windows to let in fresh air and extra light, sweep up messes, and toss out any items you’re no longer using.

Find a Well-Trained and Enjoyable Teacher

There are many options for yoga lessons on the internet and through apps. The key to your own enjoyment and progress is to find an online yoga teacher that you can really connect with, whether online or in-person. For in-person classes, a well-trained instructor can offer words of encouragement to inspire you, sensibly explain poses, and help you make adjustments to get the most out of your practice.

Gear-wise, many enthusiasts find it helpful to invest in a couple of pieces of equipment, especially if an instructor isn’t there to help with their poses. There are yoga mats that can help you with alignment, and a bolster can assist you with posture in difficult poses.

Set Intentional Yoga Goals for Yourself

Even with a short amount of time per day, as Metta Yoga points out, you can and should set yoga goals and strive to meet them. Don’t just follow along, challenge yourself to achieve greater form or get further through a routine each day. Challenge yourself to greater balance and flexibility. Challenge yourself to meet the goals you set even if it’s difficult. You will find yourself in your dedication to meet the goals you push toward.

Find Your Unity Through Yoga

Whether you join a yoga class or stream lessons in the privacy of your living room, yoga will help you find that spiritual unity with your mind, body, and soul. You will learn more about your body while strengthening your muscles and balance. By daring to strive beyond failure, you will build your resolve and become stronger in yourself. Through the meditation and focus that yoga brings, you will get in tune with your spiritual self, in whatever way you define it.

Yoga means “unity” in Sanskrit for a reason. Look for ways to push yourself to the next level, and you will find it. Through even brief daily practice of yoga each day, you will experience a strengthening unity with your inner self.

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ABOUT SHELIA

Sheila Johnson left the corporate world and long hours behind to start her own business. She’s seen so much personal success with her health and wellness routine that she wanted to share it with others. By creating WellSheila.net, she hopes that sharing her story will help people put their physical and mental health first.