Yoga

Yoga is from the Sanskrit word 'Yug' meaning union {with the Divine}.  Today it is often translated to mean union of the body, mind, and spirit.

It was developed around 5,000 years ago in India to increase strength, flexibility and balance. The body development was too aid in sustained periods of meditation.

The methods or disciplines prescribed include a series of postures and breathing exercises practiced to achieve control of the body, mind, and breath  while promoting health, strength, flexibility, and tranquility.

Yoga is for everyone, regardless of age, size, shape, or faith.  It is non-competitive, self-paced, and sensitive to your body's needs.  It gently nurtures your body through a series of physical postures, or asanas, to stretch and tone the muscles, release pressure in the joints, and align and strengthen the spine.  Yoga also uses breathing exercises, or pranayamas, to calm and relax the mind bringing about a greater awareness of your body.

Through this process of physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, you will find your body and mind letting go of stress and negativity.  As a result, a feeling of peace and harmony will arise within you.  It is within that moment, that you will find greater awareness and connectivity to your true essence.

Benefits of Yoga

Yoga improves posture, increases the intake of oxygen, and enhances the functioning of the respiratory, digestive, endocrine, reproductive, and elimination systems. Its effects on the emotions are equally beneficial: calming the mind, attuning us to the environment, and diminishing insomnia caused by mental restlessness. Yoga is highly recommended for people in competitive, stressful working environments, for those who suffer from headaches, back and shoulder aches, allergies, and asthma; and for anyone over the age of 40 (although the younger you start, the better). Yoga also works to unite the split between the mind and the body.  The regular practice of yoga helps us to accept whatever physical or mental conditions we might be suffering from by increasing our immediate sense of well being, concentration, and calm. Much healing can be done, but it takes practice and consistency.