For Yoga Practices we should wake up early in the morning. The time is called Brahma Muhurt (ब्रह्म मुहूर्त ) "The Creator's Hour". (The
Brahma Muhurta begins 1 hour and 36 minutes before sunrise, and ends 48 minutes
after sunrise. The time of sunrise varies each day, according to geographical
location and time of the year, thus the time of the Brahma Muhurta also
varies.) **
In the 2nd limb, Niyama
(Eight limbs of yoga), one niyama is Śhaucha (शौच), i.e. Purity and
clearness of body, mind, and speech.
- Cleanness of our body, mind, and speech helps us to concentrate on the practice of yoga. Bath is necessary for our body but it’s not necessary to take a bath early in the morning (Brahma Muhurat). The bladder and bowels should be empty before practice of yoga.
- One should be cleaned by mind and speech. If anybody wants to take a bath for yoga practice he should take at least half an hour before or after the practice. At the time of taking bath first wet your feet then body and at last head. Don’t shower your head first.
- Yoga practices help us to maintain harmony with nature. The yoga practitioner should assist in the process of harmonizing by living as much as possible close to Nature. So, one should practice yoga in open fresh air while enjoying the sunshine when possible. Yoga should be practiced on a leveled floor indoor or outdoor. If one practices in a room, doors and windows should be kept open for fresh air and light. One should spread a durrie, a carpet, a blanket, a thick clean cloth, or a yoga mat for comfortable practice.
- Always try to do yoga practices on an empty or light Stomach. If one feels hungry or weak, consume a small amount of honey or jaggery with lukewarm water before practice. One should take a food or liquid diet (juice, milk) or water after thirty minutes of finishing practice or start practice after two hours of taking heavy meals and one hour of liquid diet.
- Wear loose comfortable cotton clothes or yoga clothes so, there is no restriction in the movements of the body during practice.
- In case of any acute illness or chronic diseases or problems, one should consult with a Physician or a Yoga Therapist before taking part in yoga for your own safety.
- It is preferable that the one should warm up their body before performing yoga. But don’t practice immediately after strenuous activity.
- Women should refrain from regular practice of yoga during their menstruation period or pregnancy. However, there are specific set of asanas to be done during the period, for women. Pregnant women who want to continue their practice of yoga are advised to find one who is specially trained in prenatal and postnatal yoga.
- Each movement should be slow in a relaxed manner with awareness of the body and breathing in each asana performed. Take rest for at least 10 seconds after performing each asana. Don’t try to perform beyond your limitations. The practitioner is enjoined to practice moderation in everything. It takes some time to get good results, so persistent and regular practice is very essential, preferably at the same time. The duration of each asana should be increased gradually with perfection.
- Always breathe through the nostrils both inhalation and exhalation, unless instructed otherwise. Do not hold the breath unless it is specially mentioned to do so during the practice.
- Always start the yoga practices with a prayer to create a peaceful environment to relax the mind. Yoga session should end with meditation with deep silence and Śhānti patha.
