Why Do Yoga?

Why is it recommended that you do yoga? The answer is that yoga makes you feel better and really good. Practicing the posture, and breathing exercises and meditation makes you healthier in all spheres of your being. Specifically, research shows that yoga helps manage or control anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, blood pressure, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, out of control behavior like alcoholism, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, headaches, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, stress and other conditions and diseases. It improves muscle tone, flexibility, strength, stamina, and reduces stress and tension. It boosts self esteem and improves concentration. It lowers fat and improves circulation and stimulates the immune system. All of this as it creates a sense of well being and calm. This is not a sales pitch! Why would we not do yoga if all of this is possible? The wisest expressions that Sri K. Pattabhi Jois the guru of Ashtanga Yoga uses is that this practice is all about – 99 percent PRACTICE and 1 percent theory. You do not need to know a lot about yoga, just DO IT and all will come.

Yoga is also a practice that helps with the control of the mind and body. The yoga postures (asanas), the postures and breath control (pranayama) are practices that not only help us to acquire perfect health, but also develop the inner force that enables us to deal with stressful situations. In our culture which is the western world, we tend to measure success through “doing” and “doing” so much that we no longer have a connection to who we really are. The “I” comprises so much on what is on the outside and not the balance which is the key to yoga practice. “Being” is part of the yoga answer. In meditation we sit still and witness the being… we still the mind to get beyond the chatter and incessant attachment to the external world. The Meaning of Yoga: The meaning of yoga comes from the Sanskrit root word “yuga” which mean’s to join or to unite and suggests the total integration of the individual soul with the supreme or divine soul to obtain relief from pain and suffering. It is an ancient form of physical movement that has its roots in Hindu – Indian culture and philosophy. The practice of Yoga employs the use of various physical motions that are believed to be essential to achieve a sense of both physical and mental wellbeing. Yoga is not a religion, but rather a method that has been developed over 5000 years as a way of strengthening and energizing the physical body. Yoga includes physical exercises (called “asanas”) to make you reach the ultimate goal of uniting your soul with universal love and consciousness. It is a science that affects not only the conscious self but the subconscious as well. It is a practical physiological training, which if practiced daily can help with healing the entire being – body, mind, spirit or “soul.”

The tradition of yoga was born in India and its founders were the RIshis and maharishis, great saints and sages. The concept of yoga is mentioned in the Upanishads and the Puranas which are holy texts of the Hindu religion. However, it is important to be clear on the fact that when you embrace yoga practice you are not practicing within a religion because the practice transcends religion. Its roots come from the Hindu tradition but the teachings are not about religion but about balance and acceptance and non-judgment and peace. How many times a week should I practice yoga? Even with one hour a week you will find some benefit. However, we suggest you do at least 3 classes a week to begin to see change. With the young people at our studio we schedule 3 yoga classes a week along with 2 more classes in meditation techniques. After a few months the student begins their own practice in their house in the mornings – 6 days a week. When you begin to “listen to your body” and get out of the lethargic and sometimes lazy lifestyles we have grown accustomed to here in the west, you will find yourself going to yoga class more and more often. This will happen naturally and you will find yourself experiencing a new powerful feeling of wellness and healing.

What if I am not flexible? Many people believe that they need to be flexible to being yoga and that is not the case. With time, agility, coordination, flexibility, balance and strength will come back. Preparation for class: Wear loose or comfortable clothing. Yoga is practiced barefoot. Try not to eat at least 2 hours before class. Let your teacher know about any injuries or conditions that might affect your practice. YOGA SHOWS THE WAY!