When most people think of the word “yoga,” they think about the popular exercise with different poses – hatha yoga. 

But “yoga” is a Sanskrit word meaning “union with God” and there are types of yoga that don’t involve poses. Nevertheless, taking care of our physical body is important on the spiritual path.

Dr. George King was a master of many yogas and he said in an address on aerobics:

“The average type of metaphysical student is liable to concentrate more on learning and mental exercises of every kind, and is liable to forget that the physical body also must be reasonably fit, to say the least, if the mental body is going to function in its correct manner.”

He goes on to say:

“Exercise is vitally important, just as important as the study of your philosophical works. They both go together; they are not apart from one another. No matter who has told you in the past that they are, it is a fact that they are not. 

The fitter you are, the healthier you are, the more blood your heart pumps, the less strain there is on your heart, the more easily will you appreciate and learn The Nine Freedoms; the better will you be able to say The Twelve Blessings, and so on right down through the gamut.”

Conditioning our physical bodies takes discipline. Similarly, conditioning our minds and spiritual lives takes the same discipline.

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I have always liked to exercise but, like most people, I go through phases. 

I have found that when I am physically taking care of myself, it is easier to take care of myself mentally and spiritually. 

I have more energy, I sleep better and I even find that I have more time in my day for spiritual practices.

When I fall out of the exercise routine, I feel more tired and everything seems more difficult!

Something you can try

Dr. King spoke specifically about the benefits of aerobic exercise. This is any kind of activity that increases your heart and breathing rates.

Have you noticed how exercise has helped your spiritual life?