Do You Yoga?

I remember the first time I went to yoga how nervous I was. I’m not very flexible, or coordinated, and I just imagined that everyone would be doing perfect poses and laughing at me. Boy was I wrong! Yoga is nothing like that – it’s about striving for your personal best. It’s also about realizing that no one is perfect. Even the teachers are constantly striving to reach a bit further or hold poses a little bit longer.

One thing I love about yoga is that it forces you to slow down and look inward. Instead of rushing though 20 reps, you take a pose and hold it, breathing in and out deeply. Movements are never fast, and concentrate on form. Some styles of yoga are more vigorous, but they all concentrate on good form.

Yoga involves deep, mindful breathing which can increase your lung capacity. The concentration on deep breathing also promotes relaxation, and most people feel less stressed after doing yoga.
Another great thing about yoga is how well it strengthens your core. Having a strong core makes everything you do so much easier. It usually solves that whole “aching back” problem, and as your core becomes stronger your posture will as well.

Yoga isn’t just about the exercise, though. It’s a whole state of mind. It’s about honoring others, and constantly striving to better yourself. The phrase Namaste is used often in yoga classes. Loosely translated, it means The God/Goddess Spirit within me recognizes and honors the God/Goddess Spirit within you. It recognizes that we are all on equal standing, and children of divinity. No one is better than anyone else.

It is also about taking care of your entire body – your mind and your physical body. Not just by exercising, but also by being aware of what you put into your body. This week I’ll be sharing some yoga-related topics with you throughout the week – I hope you enjoy!