The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, which means “to join” or “to yoke”.
Yoga is an ancient art and exercise, and an aid to self-awareness and physical well-being. Rooted in traditions that enhancing awareness of the mind, body, and spirit, yoga practices seems exotic and foreign to some–not for “them”.
It is true that yoga has been around and survived for centuries outside of the United States, in a part of the world that many Americans have little connection to or awareness of. But this amazing practice migrated to the United States, among other areas, as people began to share what yoga has brought to their lives.
Before I say any more, I want to be clear on this. Yoga is for everyone; yoga benefits anyone willing to learn and experience this practice for themselves. There are no requirements. No one has to twist themselves into a pretzel, no one has to sleep on a bed of nails.
There are different forms of yoga, each emphasizing different areas of wellness and other states of being. When practicing yoga, everyone is encouraged to pay attention to their body. If something hurts, stop or back off of the stretch. The instructor will work with individuals, usually upon request, to adjust the pose so that there is the least amount of pain and maintain the integrity of the position. So, when someone is not able to perform the postures, known as asanas, they do as much as they are able, without force, without judgment. For some it may mean using props, such as blocks, straps and blankets to prevent pain and injury–the body is supported as much as possible during practice to prevent pain. For others it means breathing and using their mind to envision their bodies performing the posture.
With practice, many people learn not to over-tax their bodies, but to simply keep the body alignment each posture requires as they move toward the pose. Yoga is not about going further or bending and stretching the farthest. Yoga is a Hindu method of learning that makes use of exercises, breathing sequences and meditation. to experience enlightenment, to connect to God, and to understand your personal mind/body connection. As an exercise, yoga often practiced by some simply as an aid to healthy living.
In short, yoga is for anyone interested in improving the health of their body, alleviate stress, or simply exercise. Anything more that is gained is up to you.
Copyright © Kim Paluch All Rights Reserved.
Kim Paluch is a freelance writer and a mind-body wellness coach and consultant. She is currently working on a mind-body wellness manual, in addition to creating a new wellness e-zine.
