Yoga

Yoga comes from a variety of cultures and traditions. The earliest known writings on yoga are found in ancient Hindu spiritual texts known as the Vedas (meaning knowledge). The origin of the Vedas are from about 1700-1100 BCE. Meditation is a part of Yoga as well as Postures. In fact while you are practicing Hatha Yoga you also are doing a form of meditation.

Yoga blends the mental and physical aspects of exercise- it’s a union or yoke which is the meaning of the word. If done regularly yoga improves flexibility, vitality, posture, agility, balance, coordination and muscular strength. It improves well-being.

The practice of Yoga focuses attention on breathing as well as physical exercise. It incorporates a complex array of static stretching and strengthening exercises which are postures (asanas). During a yoga session we move to different asanas and hold them for at least 30 seconds, concentrating on the breath. There are so many postures for every body part and organs. They can be adapted for the elderly, children and people who have disabilities. You are in competition with no one and most classes meet you where you are.

Yoga can be done at home but it really good to start out with a class so you can do make sure you are doing the postures correctly. There are books and UTUBE videos as well.

Research has provided evidence of the benefits of Hatha yoga in reducing inflammation, boosting mood, and reducing stress. According to the original texts, there are three purposes of Hatha yoga:

• the total purification of the body
• the complete balancing of the physical, mental, and energetic fields
• the awakening of purer consciousness through which one ultimately connects with the divine by engaging in practices rooted in the physical body