WHAT IS YOGA?
The word yoga means “union” in Sanskrit, the language of ancient India where yoga originated.
Yoga is an ancient philosophy of life as well as a system of exercises that encourages the union of mind,
body, and spirit. The ultimate aim of yoga is to achieve a state of balance and harmony between body, mind
and spirit, thereby reducing our suffering and improving our lives.
Yoga is the practice of opening ourselves to the present moment and thus opening ourselves to who we really are.
“It is the yogic way to go through a problem, not away from it. Aim for the center, take a breath,
and dive in.
Nothing is what it seems once you’re inside.
The deeper you dive, the closer you get to
the truth that everything is consciousness, and that everything and everyone is precious and lovable.
You develop a kind of heightened vision that allows you to see through the surface appearance of the world.
Just underneath the surface, love is everywhere.“
- Steve Ross
What is commonly referred to as “yoga”, in the western world, can be more accurately described by the
Sanskrit word asana, which refers to the practice of physical postures or poses. These are a set of
physical practices that include stretches, breathing practices, and progressive deep relaxation. These
physical practices are intended to ready the body and mind for meditation as well as for a meditative
perspective on life.
The practice of yoga stimulates and opens the Nadis (energy channels) and enables more energy to flow more
freely through these channels.
The key to learning yoga poses is to take our brain out of the equation. When we let go mentally, a physical
shift occurs.
Some of the Physical Benefits of Yoga
- Tones, stretches and strengthens muscles
- Develops flexibility, strength and stamina
- Detoxifies internal organs, and thus oxygenates and fills the body with healthy blood
- Improves breathing and lung capacity
- Improves metabolism and waste elimination
- Reduces stress
- Assists weight reduction and control
- Aids lowering blood pressure
- Eases insomnia and anxiety
- Alleviates back and neck pain
|
|
|
Doubt your doubts and they vanish.
Feel your fears and they fade.
What will it take for us to finally get that life is about letting go?
Think less. Be more.
|
|
"Take hold of your
own life.
See that the whole existence is celebrating.
These trees are not serious, these birds are not serious.
The rivers and the oceans are wild,
and
everywhere there is fun,
everywhere there is joy and delight.
Watch existence,
listen to the existence and become part of it."
~ Osho
|
|
