Decision Making Process - Living in Yoga

Inspired by a question that came up during a conversation today I got motivated to write this text.

Can decision making process be influenced by Yoga? Yes and No. Its depends.

The practice of Yoga give us tools to gain control of our minds through physical exercises ( Asanas and Pranayama ),Yamas  and Niyamas ( Moral codes and observances)(http://ashtangametamorphosis.blogspot.com/2014/02/benefits-of-yoga-in-your-body-and-life.html)

There are also the other limbs of Yoga, but the Yamas, Niyamas and Asanas are the ones in which our practice starts and where we start to purify ourselves on a physical and spiritual level.

If the "student" only practice physical exercises the benefits will be mostly in a physical level, as a healthier body. But even only practicing asanas after many years of practice with consistence, the student may notice a change in his behaviors, because conscious breath combine with the poses have a calming effect in the nervous system.  When the nervous system is calm and balanced (Ida and Pingala Channels, connected with the right and left nostrils), the brain works in harmony. When the brain is in harmony we think clearly and we don not act by impulse.

The most important tools the yoga practice give us are the Yamas and Niyamas. Without those the benefits of yoga are incomplete. When we apply those rules in our daily lives our choices and decisions are based in Truth and Love itself. So combining a strong heart with a balanced mind from the physical exercises, the practice of yoga Yes can definitely influence any aspect of your life.

How yoga affects your life is entirely up to you. Its your choice to follow this ancients teachings and be open to it. Its your choice to open your heart and embrace whatever is there deep inside yourself. You know your own truth and I believe this practice is sometimes like a mirror that allow us to see ourselves deeper and raw. A sincere practice of yoga with no attachment to results will build a strong connection to a power greater (God, or whatever you believe) than us and from that point you will flow into life intuitively according to your truth. 

Want to start practicing Yoga and don't know where to start? Here is my advice :)

Congratulations!!! You took the first step to the beginning of a beautiful journey to the center of yourself.
So what now?
People approach yoga in the beginning with different intentions. You may feel attract to start "yoga" because of health reasons, peace of mind, tone the body, maybe to be more flexible or more strong, maybe because looks cool or maybe because you feel curious about it. Anyway does not matter your reason, with time and practice yoga gives to you an immeasurable benefits for body and mind.
The first reason I approached a yoga class it was because of a annoying back pain I had for a long time.
Now a days its really easy to find asanas (postures) and materials online and on books on how to perform postures. I do not recommend this start specially if you are a beginner. I believe those videos of demonstrations should be taken more as an inspiration than a teacher substituter.
There are many many styles of yoga classes specially in the west. I recommend to try as much as possible different styles until you find one thats resonates with you.
I remember I tried so many styles, from gentle yoga, basic yoga, flow yoga, vinyasa yoga, Kundaline, hot yoga, Iyengar yoga (really liked) and Ashtanga yoga which is what I practice. I never have tried Birkam yoga so I have no opinion about it.
Each style of yoga fits people with different personalities and life styles and you just need to find one that fits yours. Does not matter what you choose because if you practice with love and devotion based on the Yamas and Niyamas (read my older post to understand better) the practice it you bring the mental, physical and spiritual benefits.
I recommend joining a yoga class of style of your choice and after some time when you figure out what is good for you (can take years, don't rush don't worry) stick with one teacher.
Its really important to practice with the same teacher, to create a teacher and student relationship. Is just like visiting the same doctor over the years. The doctor knows your body and health history and knows the exactly medicine and amount you should take.  Other good point about going to a yoga studio is the community and the motivation you get. People are there for different reason but there is support and respect and non judgment. Does not matter how you look in the posture or how well you do something, what really matters is how you feel.
Other advice is to follow your heart. Don't pressure yourself to do things, don't complicate....choose something that makes you feel good. Don't choose a style because of the labels or because looks cool or it is in fashion or because Lady Gaga is doing! (who cares!). The practice of yoga revels our authentic Self, its like looking in a mirror and observing everything pure and raw. So with that in mind find something thats feeds your soul and that makes you want to do it again and not something you force yourself to do it because other people are doing. In the end is just a breathing exercise synchronized with poses. The practice of yoga is mean to bring body, mind and soul in harmony so the poses are a very tiny part of what yoga is really about.
Happy journey!!!!