Yoga for Personality Development
Every individual has in-depth potential to explore his/her inner persona but some mental domains like fears, phobia, conflicts, excessive egotism, etc. keep this characteristic feature hidden. Yogic philosophy and approach have the ability to attain higher levels of consciousness and maybe an effective modality for personality development. The efficacy of yoga towards this has also proved.
The different components of Yoga help differently in the overall growth and personality development of a person. Yogasanas help to bring flexibility, relaxation, toning, and balance. Pranayama restores harmony and Dhyana facilitates channelization of thoughts. Bhakti yoga facilitates mental and emotional development. Yoga and its various aspects enable intellect, intuition, wisdom, higher knowledge, and other multiple positive effects on personality.
Yoga for physical development
Physical development means the growth of the body with abnormalities and ailments. External factors like diet, exercise, and environment also play an important role in physical growth.
Yoga can play an important role in the wellness of the body. By contending stress, the yogic practices vitalize the organs and stimulate body energy. A balanced body and mind can be achieved by practicing asanas.
As far as physical development is concerned, one has to be fit and healthy by practicing different types of Kriyas, Asanas, Pranayamas, etc. Some of the important Yoga that is beneficial for physical development is Tadasana, Trikonasana, Setubandha asana, Dhanurasana, Bhujangasana, Padmasana, Vajrasana, Naukasana, Shalabhasana, Kapalbhati and Pranayamas.
Yoga for intellectual development
Mental development is a perennial process that continues throughout life. The changes in cognitive processes like attention, memory, thinking, reasoning and problem-solving may be observed. Intelligence, development of language, and concept formation are the finer aspects of mental development.
Yogic Practices like Surya Namaskar, Tratak, and Pranayama enable the pineal gland for the smooth functioning of learning, retaining information, and memory. Practicing these pose help to improve memory and other cognitive aspects significantly. Sukshma Vyayamas like Buddhi Tatha Dhristi-Shakti-Vikasaka (Developing the Mind and Will Power), Smarana Shakti Vikasaka, and Medha-Shakti- Vikasaka (Developing the Intellect) are also beneficial for the mental development of the body.
Yoga for emotional development
Man is an emotional entity. Emotion, being an integral part of the individual is an essential requirement for a balanced personality. The control and management of emotion are important indicators of emotional development and a balanced personality. The development of positive emotions and diversion of negative emotions can bring desirable growth in the personality.
Stretching exercise (Tadasana, Parsavkonasana, Warrior pose, Stick asana), relaxation techniques, and pranayamas have been found to bring significant positive changes in the emotional states of anxiety, stress, depression, guilt, and arousal.
Yoga for social development
Social development means the growth and development of attitudes and behaviors. Behavioral socialization is also a part of it. Yogic practices like Yama, Niyama, Dhyana, etc. are important parts of social development. Even in developed countries like the USA, it has been observed that the crime graph reduced after practicing the above yoga.
Yama: The practice of Yama leads to an increase in concentration, mental purity, and steadiness. The following are the Yamas: Ahimsa (not to harm others), Satya ( to be truthful), Asteya (not to steal), Brahmacharya(celibacy), Aparigraha (not to possess beyond actual needs)
Niyama: There are five Niyamas: Souch ( external and internal purification), Santosh ( – contentment), Tapa (to make right efforts to achieve goals), Swadhyaya ( to study authentic texts and religious scriptures to acquire a correct knowledge of self and the supreme divinity and Ishwar Pranidhan (complete surrender to the divine will)
Yoga for spiritual development
Spiritual Development means self-awareness, contentment, self-acceptance, self regards, self-actualization, etc. Spiritual development takes place in the form of habits, values, and ethics. Dhyana is just like a panacea and a powerful tool for spiritual growth and development. Practicing Yama, Niyama and Meditation is beneficial for spiritual growth. Self-enhancement can also be done through Ashtanga Yoga.
Thus, incorporating Yoga in everyone’s daily routine can unleash a holistic and integrated personality.
