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What Is Yoga Again?
Yoga. Mystical religion? New-age hocus pocus? Fancy stretching? Trendy workout?
At one time or another, this ancient Indian practice has been viewed as all of these. So what is this exercise that attracts new-age fans, professional sports players, celebrity devotees, and the average person?
In reality, yoga is a path toward a healthy and satisfying lifestyle. Yoga is a Sanskrit word meaning as 'to unite'. The goal of any yoga student, then, is to unite the mind, body, and spirit in harmony. And even though many yoga techniques were created thousands of years ago, they still offer practical solutions for those of us living in a Twitter-dominated culture that runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are several different types of traditional yoga. Some are frequently associated with the religions of Hinduism or Buddhism. However, the yoga style most of the western world is familiar with is hatha yoga. This art blends physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to cultivate the body, mind, and spirit.
Hatha yoga is a philosophy rather than a religion, and it’s practiced by people from virtually all faiths, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. In this style, there is no set creed to believe in or deity to pray to.
How will yoga help me?
Yoga takes a whole body approach to wellness. That means it offers postures to build flexibility and muscle strength, breathing exercises to oxygenate the body, and meditation to bring peace to the mind. Many practitioners find that the principles learned in yoga—to do no harm, to respect the body, etc—can be applied to every aspect of life, from work to relationships.
Who can take yoga?
Virtually anyone. That includes men and women, children and senior citizens, the physically fit and the couch potato. Yoga has also helped patients with debilitating conditions like arthritis and multiple sclerosis. It can help cancer patients to recuperate and disaster victims to de-stress. Yoga poses can even be modified for those who live in a wheelchair. Anyone can benefit from this practice, including people just like you.
Where do I find a class?
Yoga classes are increasingly easy to find. Look for sessions at local gyms, community centers, and, of course, yoga studios. There are also many books and online resources that can give you guidance concerning postures, breathing exercises, and meditation.
If you want to join a formal yoga class, don’t hesitate to ask if you can watch a session and speak with an instructor. He or she can help you determine if that class is the right one for you. If you have a medical condition, be sure to check with your medical professional before jumping into any new exercise routine. In addition, some health insurance plans cover the cost of yoga through wellness programs, so be sure to check with your provider.
Another option is to look for a yoga DVD or online video. While you won’t get the benefit of an in-person instructor to help you, videos allow you to practice when it’s convenient for you—no more rushing to make that 6 p.m. class. You can also practice anywhere, whether it’s your living room or your hotel room.
What happens during a typical hatha yoga session?
Class typically starts with a brief period of silence. The purpose is to clear the mind of all the things that happened that day and focus on only what you will be doing over the next 60 to 90 minutes. Some instructors may lead the class in reciting affirmations, statements designed to encourage students. For example, students might repeat, 'I am a source of positive energy'.
An instructor will then lead students through a series of poses. According to legend there are more than eight million asana, or yoga poses. Don’t panic, though, during a single class you may do only one or two dozen body-sculpting postures.
Students also practice pranayama, or breathing exercises, which help send oxygen to vital organs as well as calm the mind. These might be done anytime during class and are often guided by the instructor. Once you learn to the proper techniques, you use pranayama anytime to de-stress.
With regular practice, you’ll discover what yoga is: a path to reinvent yourself and transform into a healthier, stronger person.
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