Life is based on balance: work and relaxation, relationships and solitude, planning and flexibility. Somehow, even life itself may be the process of reaching one’s own balance. Here exists the practice based on this philosophy — yoga. The Sungkyun Times (SKT) invites Kingos into the world of yoga, where the body and spirit form a beautiful harmony.
Welcome to the World of Yoga!
-Balance between Body and Mind
Yoga refers to the practice that pursues the realization of life through a balanced training of body and mind. The term yoga was derived from Sanskrit, Yuj, which translates to “tight union”. Among its many types, Hatha yoga may be most familiar to Kingos. Hatha yoga focuses on overcoming physical limitations such as flexibility and muscle strength. It values breathing methods and yoga postures, so-called Asana. Other representative examples include Vinyasa yoga, which focuses on feeling the body’s sensations during repeated sequences, and Ashtanga yoga, known for its fast tempo and vigorous movements. The international yoga instructor Lim Seo-jeong noted that the time allocated for the mind to rest differentiates yoga from other exercises. In particular, meditation before and after yoga is the practice of discovering the true self, letting aside the complexities of daily life. In yoga, there is no need to compare one’s abilities to others since everyone’s body is different. Simply recognizing one’s breath and moves based on body condition will stabilize the body and mind. Hold your breath to pose, meditate to seek an objective eye, and train consistently — you will have deepened affection for life. The following are quotes that directly reflect the philosophy of yoga.
-The Eight Limbs of Yoga
Yoga consists of eight limbs. The first three stages, Yama , Niyama , and Asana , are focused on the outside. Yama is the universal morality for all humankind, Niyama is the stage for self-purification through practice, and Asana means the movement and posture of the body. The two middle stages, Pranayama and Pratyahara, are focused on the inside. These two stages correspond to breathtaking and keeping distance from desires, respectively. After going through Dharana and Dhyana, the two stages that connect with divinity, one reaches the ultimate stage, Samadhi. Samadhi is the stage where one truly realizes oneself — detached desire, fear, and anger — the three nirvana of yoga.
More than a Practice, Now a Lifestyle
Rooted in East Asia, yoga began to spread worldwide, starting from the Western United States. The unfamiliar and abstract Eastern philosophy was first verbalized and systemized into mindfulness, generating significant interest in the West. As yoga gained popularity, the concept of yoga was expanded from practice into a form of lifestyle. This led to the trend of the wellness culture that pursues a healthy physical and a prosperous life. Moving beyond simply identifying the body as a mere tool for training or showing off, it suggested a paradigm — accepting and exposing one’s body. Yoga was the center of this trend, seeking a balance between body and mind. To investigate this trend, the SKT interviewed a yoga content creator, Yogassi.
Q1. What do you think yoga means for the new generations who are interested in yoga and meditation?
This era is a flood of content. I think increased information accessibility led to increased attention to mental health and wellness content. In this kind of stream, people started questioning themselves: “Who am I?“ “Why is life so hard?” “What is the definition of a good life?” The young generation began to pay attention to how to live well; meditation, yoga, and self-improvement are prominent examples.
Q2. Is there a unique culture or lifestyle of yogis?
Yogis are very much concerned about healthy and ritual life. This is a natural result after realizing that numerous factors must work together to maintain a healthy state. Hence, for yogis, it has been set as a culture to not only attend yoga classes but also to look for healthy food and consume ethical goods. Many yogis also seem to choose to explore yoga centers as a new hobby.
Q3. How would you like yoga to be perceived by the public through your content?
I wish yoga to be presented as easy, light, and fun. For those new to yoga, yoga is not just a static exercise. For those practicing yoga, you are not the only one who experienced that feeling during yoga. I try to reach a consensus to help them enjoy yoga.
The Yoga Aesthetic: Spaces and Soundtracks
-Reconstruction of the Yoga Experience
Yoga can turn into an exceptional experience in a unique space. Reinterpret your moves and reconstruct the memories.
Morning Yoga with an Ocean View
The charm of morning yoga lies in the refreshing morning air. A gentle breeze with a magnificent ocean view is enough to calm one’s mind. Eliminate raveled overwhelming thoughts and focus on the contraction and relaxation of muscle movements.
Outdoor Yoga under the Sunlight
Outdoor yoga is more challenging due to unexpected variables such as wind, insects, and the earth. However, by enjoying the sunshine and feeling the texture of the grass, Kingos will quickly be fulfilled by nature. In the end, doesn’t the unpredictable nature of outdoor yoga resemble life?
-Melodies for Harmonizing Savasana
The yoga class always ends with savasana, the last step of organizing the body’s energy. With an entirely relaxed body and closed eyes, empty all thoughts — Kingos will reach the essence of savasana: the internal equilibrium. Here, music plays a vital role. It acts as a tool for the relaxation of the mind and body and enhances sensitivity. A recommendation of music for Savasana is Magnificence by Daphne Tse. Daphne Tse is a singer-songwriter and yoga instructor from Texas who creates art based on yoga and peace.
Magnificence
”There is so much magnificence Near the ocean Waves are coming in Waves are coming in Peace to all Joy to all Love to all Om Shanti (Eternal Peace for All of Mankind) Lokah samastha sukino Bhavantu (May All Beings Everywhere Be Happy and Free)”
The moment Kingos face the morning sun and move through yoga sequences, a new world will unfold on your mat. If you are confronting challenges, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Now, open your eyes and you will realize that all the pain has been forgotten. Facing the sun once again, there will be another day of sun that someone may have longed for.