Why yoga is not about being flexible…

padangustasana performed by sebastien carincotte in Ibiza (© hatha yoga ibiza)

Yoga is often thought of as a physical practice, with an emphasis on flexibility and strength. While these aspects of yoga are important for a healthy body, they are not the essence of yoga. Yoga is a holistic practice that encompasses spiritual, mental, and physical well-being. 

There are several paths of yoga, each with its own emphasis and techniques. One of the most well-known paths is Raja Yoga. This path focuses on the mind and aims to cultivate mental discipline and control. It includes practices such as meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises). The goal of Raja Yoga is to achieve "samadhi," or a state of deep meditation where the individual experiences unity with the divine. 

Karma Yoga is another path of yoga that emphasizes selfless action and service. This path is based on the idea that our actions, thoughts, and emotions create karma, which is a force that determines our future experiences. By performing selfless actions without attachment to the outcome, one can reduce negative karma and move towards spiritual liberation. 

Bhakti Yoga is yet another path of yoga that focuses on devotion and love for the divine. It includes practices such as chanting, prayer, and worship. The goal of Bhakti Yoga is to cultivate pure love and devotion for the divine, leading to spiritual realization and union with the divine. 

In summary, yoga is not just about physical fitness. It is a holistic practice that includes spiritual, mental, and physical aspects. There are several paths of yoga, each with its own emphasis and techniques. Raja Yoga focuses on the mind, Karma Yoga emphasizes selfless action, and Bhakti Yoga centers around devotion and love for the divine. By practicing all together these paths of yoga, individuals can achieve spiritual liberation and unity with the divine in a quicker way .