Yoga as the Gateway to Happiness

Eastern traditions have fascinated the western world for centuries, but none have managed to intertwine themselves with and become part of our modern lifestyle quite like Yoga. It is fashionable and normal to want to explore its offerings, take courses in it and even give appropriate Yoga gifts to (aspiring) practitioners.

One of the most appealing aspects of Yoga is that there are so many different niches of it that can accommodate a variety ofgoals you wish to get out of its practice. Given its long-established tradition in Indian culture and consciousness, many styles of Yoga do not distinguish between its physical practices and philosophical teachings. On the other hand, if the spiritual part doesn’t do it for you, there are niches within Yoga that dispense with its more esoteric elements, but still leave you with a stronger, healthier and more nimble body if you keep at it.

It comes as no surprise that many will opt for the middle ground, choosing to accompany their more flexible bodies with a renewed perspective practicing Yoga can bring. The concept that stands out as one of the most appealing to people who do not wish to get too deep into Yoga’s other religious precepts, yet still get enough out of it to put a positive spin on their life is Santosha, contentment or satisfaction.

Happiness itself is a fleeting emotion and unique to each individual, but since contentment is a state attainable by anyone, it can serve as the universal basis for its achievement. What many today have a trouble understanding is that the goal of a better, smarter and refined version of you isn’t as important as the journey to that goal. After all, one can improve by leaps and bounds without being satisfied with the results.

So,discovering and eventually being able to flawlessly adopt a challenging new pose is wonderful, but the underlying principle here isn’t the mere mastery of our body or constant improvement – it is finding that place of stillness and tranquility within ourselves which allows us a moment of respite fromthe daily grind. In this sense, Yoga by itself isn’t the guarantee for happiness, and it was never meant to be one either. It can offer usa calm personal space within which acceptance of oneself and one’s surroundings comes more easily, and with it a positive outlook on what is to come and our ability to affect it.

When practicing Yoga, physical exertion, concentrated meditation and reflection all take part in transforming one’s worldview into a more positive one on a biochemical and spiritual level. Becoming more proficient with any of those won’t change the realities of life, but it does contribute to one’s ability to take it at face value, come to terms with it and move on from there. Contentment implies a diminishing of one’s ego as well as a greater awareness of the need for humility and gratitude for what we have, but do not appreciate enough. This is certainly something that practicing Yoga can help with.

If you know a practitioner or someone starting out on their yogic journey,a Yoga necklace is just the gift to spur them on! Check out Nano Jewelry for an inspired repertoire of insightful unique yoga gifts(and Look for "Happiness", spelled from the first letters of each inscription!).