By
[http://EzineArticles.com/expert/J_Russell_Hart/278755]J Russell Hart
Yoga combines movement, breath awareness, and mental
focus. This integrated approach to movement supports the health of the body and
the mind. Some practitioners and teachers say that movement through various
yoga poses makes yoga a moving meditation.
During a yoga session, each of the poses, asanas, are
linked to the breath. Movement is guided with the inhales and exhales. As the
practitioner takes open poses, where they extend or lengthen the body, they
inhale. When a practitioner folds or contracts the body as in standing forward
fold, they exhale.
The Kundalini Jagran (release of the dormant energy) is
achieved via physical and mental exercise. Physical fitness is achieved by the
Yoga Asanas. They are a series of postures for exercising and stretching the
body. Mental balance is achieved by Pranayama (Breathing Exercise) and Dhyana
(Meditation). The Jagran of Kundalini is just the process towards the goal of
self-enlightenment. The Bhagwad Gita the ancient book of knowledge and
spirituality defines yoga as a means to achieve union with self. When the state
of union with self is achieved the mind gets freedom from all desires and
becomes absorbed in self. This helps to understand the true nature of life and
the environment around.