PHPEP Present Why Yoga by Caroline Base RN, BSN
When you think about yoga, perhaps you imagine a girl who is able to put her legs behind her head, or a man who can turn himself into a human pretzel; but of course, yoga is more than just the ability to perform extreme physical poses. In fact, some of the simplest poses offer the greatest benefits. There are many different styles and formats of yoga, but overall three common components make up this discipline. Those common components are asanas (poses), pranayama (breathing), and meditation. Hatha yoga encompasses a variety of different yoga styles which are particularly popular in the western world. “Ha” meaning sun, “tha” meaning moon demonstrates the philosophy of balance evident in Hatha yoga. Hatha yoga is also known as a flowing yoga, where one position flows to the next. The practicum part of this presentation falls under the umbrella of Hatha yoga.
The Benefit of Yoga
In this lecture, I particularly explore the recent studies and publications in regards to advantages of practicing yoga and its physiologic, mental, and spiritual benefits. It may not be difficult to accept the physiologic or mental advantages of yoga, but spiritually, many people struggle to believe that there is a need for replenishment. As a Christian, I had reservation in regards to the spiritual aspects of yoga until I realized that yoga is not a religion, but an opportunity to create a spiritual connection regardless of religious affiliation. For me, it is my connection to God and my grateful heart for all that Jesus has done for me.
As health care professionals, we are constantly responsible to serve others, and therefore, it is essential to replenish our mental, physical, and spiritual beings. If we ignore those essential needs, we will eventually face burnout and exhaustion. Yoga is a way of replenishing ourselves. It allows us to give back to our bodies, calm our minds, and connect with something greater than ourselves. The purpose of our profession is to help others, and in doing so we must also focus on ourselves by preparing our bodies, minds, and spirits to be able to face the challenging responsibilities of medical care.
By Caroline Base RN, BSN
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