We all know about the mental and physical benefits of yoga. It’s calming, you get stronger, you can stretch out achy muscles, and maybe even lose some weight! These lesser-known benefits,however, are just as important!
1. It makes humans…human.
We all know that person. That super yogini, “I-live-off-kale-and-ooze-serenity” friend, coworker, family member, acquaintance, etc. You might meet someone like this at yoga class. Chances are, however, that once you get a chance to know them, you’ll find out that they’re human too! Whether it’s hidden road rage, indulging in ice cream whenever they get the chance, or just plain old not being perfect, we all have our things. Yoga (and your fellow yogis) allows you to face those things without judgement and helps you to realize that perfection isn’t everything!
2. Hear an ancient language
If you end up attending a class where the instructor uses Sanskrit names, counting, and chanting, chances are you’re in for a totally new and unique experience. Sanskrit is among the world’s oldest languages and considered to be the “mother of all Indo-European languages.” According to Jay Kumar (a Sanskrit scholar), because each Sanskrit word is encoded with consciousness, when you combine the name with performing the posture, students can feel a “click” of unity between sound and body.
3. Sensory Memory
Sensory memory is when you hear a certain song and it brings you back to a specific time in your life. Or when a certain favorite dish reminds you of your childhood. The same thing can be applied to smell. You know that special massage oil or incense that your studio uses? Well, as long as you associate your yoga studio with peace and happiness, that specific scent will always bring you mentally right back there. Try replicating those scents at home and take note of that instant sense of relaxation.
4. Self Soothe
So yeah, you get to relax during yoga class, but what happens once you leave the studio? Life happens. Luckily, yoga gives you a whole toolbox for dealing with life. Whether it’s learning about the calming effects of ujjayi pranayama breath, or memorizing a short guided meditation, you’ll leave class with the ability to calm your mind and center your thoughts on your own.
5. The music!
Not every yoga instructor may have your favorite playlist, but you’ll definitely pick up a few new favorites along your yogic journey. If the instructor plays a song that really resonates with you during class, ask for their playlist afterwards and load up on some soothing tracks for driving, practicing yoga on your own at home, or to listen to at work.
As an added bonus, here’s a short playlist from your buds at Soul Flower! Click here to listen!
