CEO and founder of Zoga, Kameila Salimi explains how to find balance in both the body and mind through yoga.
In the constant whirlwind of life, where balance seems elusive, yoga stands out as both a physical discipline and a practice for psychological well-being. At Zoga, a sanctuary where tranquillity meets transformation, we’ve seen firsthand how yoga transcends mere exercise, realigning body and mind. Findings from a survey conducted by Yoga Earth indicate that regular yoga practitioners experience significant benefits to their emotional well-being. Specifically, 86% of respondents reported a reduction in stress, 69% noticed a positive increase in temperament and mood, 63% felt motivated to exercise more, and 59% observed an improvement in sleep quality and quantity.
As the CEO and Founder of Zoga, I’ve witnessed the transformative impact of yoga on countless individuals that surpasses mere physical ability and affects individuals at a fundamental level. Now, let’s explore the principles of yoga.
Asanas – Cultivating Physical Balance and Alignment
Asanas, or yoga postures, are a fundamental principle of yoga designed to strengthen the body, improve flexibility, and enhance physical balance. This physical balance and alignment are crucial for maintaining the overall health and well-being of the body, providing a stable foundation for the mind to operate with clarity and focus.
Pranayama – Regulating Energy and Mind
Pranayama, the practice of breath control, is essential in yoga for regulating life energy (prana) and maintaining a calm, focused mind. Proper breathing techniques increase lung capacity, boost blood circulation, and assist in stress management by calming the nervous system. This principle emphasises the connection between breath and the state of the mind and body, showing that controlled breathing can lead to a balanced and harmonised state of being.
Releasing Tension and Restoring Energy
Yoga teaches that relaxation is vital for the conservation and rejuvenation of energy. Proper relaxation restores vitality and promotes healing, allowing individuals to operate from a place of peace and renewed energy, which is critical for maintaining balance in everyday life.
Diet and Nutrition; Nourishing Body and Mind
Yoga advocates for a nourishing, balanced diet tailored to one’s constitution, emphasising the consumption of fresh, simple, natural foods vital for maintaining the physical body and a clear, calm mind. In this spirit, Zoga Yoga Café extends this philosophy into practice with its entirely vegan menu. Thoughtfully crafted from fresh, natural ingredients, every dish and beverage is designed to honour clean eating principles and nourish the body and soul, reflecting the holistic essence of yoga in every bite.
Meditation and Positive Thinking
Meditation and positive thinking are integral to yoga, focusing on cultivating a state of mental peace and clarity. Regular meditation practice helps to quiet the mind, reduce stress, and enhance concentration. Coupled with positive thinking, it encourages a shift in perspective, promoting a more harmonious and balanced outlook on life. This principle acknowledges the power of the mind in shaping our experiences and underscores the importance of cultivating a balanced, positive mental state through mindful practices.
In essence, yoga’s core principles of asanas, pranayama, relaxation, diet, and meditation collectively forge a path to holistic well-being, harmonising body, mind, and spirit for a balanced and enriched life.
