What is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient system of working with the body, breath and mind. Yoga is not a religion as it has no doctrine, dogma or church and is in fact compatible with all religions even though it has its roots in Hinduism.  You don’t have to believe anything! For most, yoga is primarily working the body with awareness to achieve flexibility, strength, healing and calmness of mind, although there are many other benefits possible.  Yoga is for every body whether lithe and athletic or those who have not exercised in a long time. The perfect ‘form’ of yoga postures that are commonly seen do not necessarily mean ‘good’ yoga!

What are the Benefits of Yoga?

Provided yoga is practiced with care, it is a very safe activity and provides a great many benefits to normal healthy people as well as those with some sort of problem. Yoga works holistically on the whole body - mind - spirit system, and can be modified to suit a person in any state of ill health or temporary injury.  Limited mobility can generally be improved. Flexibility can be enhanced enabling the body to function more efficiently during normal activities.  Yoga readily complements sporting activities too - allowing muscles to relax and stretch.  The state of mind in yoga is introverted which increases one’s awareness of your body - normally ignored! Strength, stamina and balance are normally increased through yoga asanas or postures, although most forms of yoga is not aerobic.  Breath awareness and breathing exercises can also increase lung capacity and improve your breathing patterns.  Full use of the breathing apparatus and movement of the torso also massages the internal organs, improving their health and function. And last, but not least, the practicing yogi achieves a calm disposition.

How to get Started with Yoga

The subtleties of yoga mean that it is very difficult to learn by looking at a picture or reading a book, and attendance at a class is highly recommended.  Yoga is experiential - it is only through practice that it can be understood - reading and intellectualizing alone is not yoga. With asana yoga (physical postures), initially, the flexibility and strength of the body are developed and the grosser aspects of a yoga posture are learned.  Body awareness develops and correct alignment and muscle relaxation becomes possible.  Controlled breathing and a meditative mind then develop to allow the practice to proceed to maximum benefit.  It is emphasized that yoga is not really an academic exercise, but very much a practical experiential journey.  Going to a yoga class makes this journey quite painless and any problems or questions can be answered by your teacher. Practice can then be deepened with home practice and weekend yoga days, etc.

Text provided courtesy of Don Kent and Don's Yoga.

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