Yoga — A Way of Life

Yoga is an ancient Indian practice. It keeps our body fit and our mind calm. It includes asanas, breathing exercises and meditation.

21st June is celebrated as International Yoga Day. On this day, people all over the world practise yoga together.

asana pranayama meditation breathing Surya Namaskar flexibility balance

yoga → asana → apple → elephant → tiger → rose → egg → garden …

Yoga is a practise that not only improves physical flexibility but also improves mental 1. health and leads to a healthier 2. lifestyle. It involves a series of asanas, which increase muscular 3. strength. Practising yoga also leads to a better body and mind 4. balance and reduces body pain such as the lower back. Moreover, the focus on breathing techniques and meditation makes the mind 5. calm, lessens 6. stress, and improves the quality of 7. sleep.

The aim of yoga is to make the mind quiet and free from all distractions. It brings overall health and well-being.

The word ‘yoga’ comes from ‘yuj’, which means ‘to join’ or ‘to unite’. Yoga unites the mind and body, thought and action. It also brings harmony between human and nature.

It shows that the benefits of yoga are recognised all over the world. WHO wants people everywhere to practise yoga easily and for free.

Regular yoga makes a person calm and patient. It also improves concentration and self-discipline.

1. (i) It is important to have a regular practice of stretching every morning to stay flexible.
2. (ii) I practise Yoga every day to keep my mind and body healthy.
3. (iii) The teacher said, you can join the school hockey team but it requires a lot of practice to improve your skills.
4. (iv) Our athletics coach asked us to practise running on grass to strengthen our grip while running.
5. (v) I practise deep breathing exercises when I feel stressed to calm myself down.
6. (vi) Developing a good habit of eating fruits and vegetables should be a daily practice.

• My teacher gave me good advice about my studies.
• Always listen to the advice of your elders.
• The doctor advised me to drink more water.
• I advise you to sleep early before the exam.

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1. 1. The girl sees people at the park doing breathing exercises. — T
2. 2. Her grandfather began practising yoga sixteen years ago. — F (He began at the age of 16.)
3. 3. The girl practises some easy yoga exercises with her grandfather. — T
4. 4. The girl practises breathing exercises to relax. — T
5. 5. Her grandfather is fit even though he has untimely meals. — F (He eats a balanced diet regularly.)
6. 6. Her grandfather’s regular yoga practise has kept him strong. — T
7. 7. The girl wishes to learn asanas over the weekend. — F (During the summer vacations.)

• Vrikshasana (tree pose): improves balance and concentration.
• Bhujangasana (cobra pose): makes the back strong and flexible.

1. 1. I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. — Seven (s-even)
2. 2. You go at green, but stop at red. — Traffic signal
3. 3. I follow you all the time, but you can’t touch me or catch me. — Your shadow
4. 4. Three letters in my name; backwards-forwards it’s the same. I am a body part. — Eye