Yoga and Yoga Mats: The Two and Their Relationship
There is yoga and there are yoga mats. Obviously, the two have a relationship, with yoga being the convergence point of the two. Read on and find out just why this relationship between yoga and yoga mats prevails.
Talking About Yoga
Historically, yoga is known to pertain to the group of ancient spiritual practices haling from India. Today however, yoga practitioners aren't exactly into it for the spiritual aspects, but rather for the meditative and physical benefits yoga practices are known to foster into practitioners.
There is truth to the claims of how much yoga could benefit the physical and mental well being of a person, allowing for positive outlooks, as well as boosting self confidence in those who feel crippled by such insecurities.
Essentially, yoga delves into the area of preparation, where yoga practitioners prepare their physical being into a conditioned state of mind, ideal for enlightenment and wisdom to prevail, putting them in the spotlight. The whole "yoga process" has been around for a long time now, and is still held with high regard considering the positive impact it has on yoga practitioners. There are a number of opinions and beliefs with regards why yoga even prevails, particularly the goal of yoga. Generally, the idea revolves around the concept of union, which could be or not one personal or non-personal in nature.
Yoga is popularly categorized into different branches or types. These yoga branches would include, Hatha Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga, Raja Yoga and Bhakti Yoga. Of these, Raja Yoga, or Royal Yoga is perceived to be the "Classical" of all Yoga branches, and is the type of yoga being referred to when the yoga term is simply talked about.
Talking About Yoga Mats
Just like most meditation practices, the use of Yoga mats or meditation mats isn't exactly a requirement for a yoga practice to take place. Yoga mats simply provide degrees of comfort and safety to yoga practitioners, as yoga stances, or yoga positions, practically dominate the yoga culture in general.
Typically, yoga mats are cushioned mats, made to be soft enough to provide safety should a yoga practitioner "fall out" of position, yet tough enough to withstand the various pressures a yoga practitioner puts on yoga mats.
Yoga mats could either be bought from yoga specialty shops, or be made from defined design elements, as well as defined materials. Yoga mats, just like all other meditation mats or exercise mats are, come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from the portable rolling variety, to the more fixed-for-meditation-room variety.
Again, the use of yoga mats aren't required for yoga practitioners to do what they do. Yoga mats simply provide safety and comfort, and their use is all up to the yoga practitioner's volition.
So there you have it. The relationship between yoga and yoga mats.
