Today, Yoga for everyone is often misconstrued as an exercise only for healthy individuals who are young or can strike perfect poses with complete flexibility. However, the experience of all ages yoga is different for everyone, and that is why yoga itself provides variations to meet the same goals through different means.
Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’, which means ‘to unite’; yoga is the union of the mind, body, and soul. Patanjali’s Yogasutra defines yoga as a spiritual discipline that aids us in ending the fluctuations of the mind (chitta vritti) with complete awareness. All individuals, regardless of their age or ability, can practice yoga in its essence. Yoga provides different assistance to those in various stages of their lives:
● Children can begin practicing yoga from the age of 6 or 7. Those who practice yoga asanas regularly can attain focus, concentration, and mindfulness. Yoga asanas are often very useful in directing their excess energy and helping them feel calmer and less distracted or disturbed. This will help them achieve their goals, whether that is getting good grades in their exams or dealing with day-to-day stresses. This is especially useful for children who may show signs of hyperactivity or difficulty concentrating on tasks. Even introducing a Sattvic balanced diet to children can help reduce distractions within their body and mind, as it automatically reduces the intake of processed foods.
● Teenagers and young adults who practice yoga asanas and pranayama may find themselves less prone to distractions, helping maintain homeostasis within the mind and body. They will learn to be more aware of their bodies and also learn to take care of them. Yoga promotes discipline, body positivity, and self-acceptance. They will gain more clarity and focus on their passions and interests through practicing more pranayamas and kriyas.
● Adults or householders, by this time, are working about 8-12 hours a day. For them, being present and relaxing is very important. Being under constant stress, they may find themselves affected by lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, blood pressure, insomnia, et c. Certain yoga asanas, pranayamas, and meditations can help relieve day-to-day stress and rejuvenate the mind and body. This will prepare them to deal with each day freshly and without the baggage of the past. Examples of relaxing asanas include Yogendra Shavasana (the Corpse Pose), Yogendra Makarasana (the Crocodile Pose), Yogendra Matsyasana (the Fish Pose), and Yogendra Dhradasana (the Firm Pose). Examples of relaxing pranayamas are Yogendra Pranayama 4 (Diaphragmatic Breathing) and Yogendra Pranayama Brahmari (the Bee Breath). Meditation techniques include Om chanting or simply doing box breathing and focusing on the breath. This is also the stage where practicing yoga asanas can delay or avoid certain bone-related issues. Asanas with spinal bends and twists such as Yogendra Konasana (the Angle Posture) and Yogendra Parvatasana (the Mountain Pose), along with variations and asanas for extremities such as Yogendra Ekpadasana (the One-Legged Pose) or Yogendra Vakrasana (the Curve Pose), can help avoid these issues. All other asanas can also be practiced by adults, except in cases of certain limitations or contraindications.
● Women can be considered an entirely different group as their psychological and biological needs are different. It is advised that they avoid practice during heavy flow days. Regular practice before and after the period days can provide significant relief from pain, bloating, and cramps. During pregnancy, yoga practice should be done under the guidance of a trained yoga teacher. It is important to maintain a healthy body weight, which can be achieved with regular yoga practice. All yoga practices can be done by women, except in cases of limitations or contraindications.
● Many seniors often believe that they cannot practice yoga or that it is too late. However, like all the above stages, age is just a number, and it is never too late to begin practicing yoga. The benefits of practicing yoga at this stage include pain relief, relief from insomnia, and better control of many lifestyle disorders.
● All other individuals with pain or special needs can also do certain asanas that are light and can be done with ease. These are called Sukshma Vyayam, Sahaj Bhaav Asanas, or Laghu Vyayam. These exercises were introduced by Hansaji Yogendra, the Director of The Yoga Institute, and her late husband Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra, after gaining years of experience teaching yoga to groups of different ages and conditions. All pranayamas can be practiced by all, except in cases of limitations or contraindications.
All ages yoga practice is possible. Regular practice of yoga can be done by everyone. Yoga for everyone is a solution for many psychological and physiological difficulties that we face today. The practice of yoga brings joy, relief, and stability to all those who practice, regardless of their age or abilities.