 A union
The word yoga is derived from the sanskrit root 'yuj' meaning to join, connect or to focus one's attention on. Yoga's goal is to unite body, mind and spirit. Yoga is based on 3 main elements: physical exercise (asanas or postures), breath and meditation. Yogis believe that the body is the machine that enables one to live upon the earth; Thus the body must be handled with great care and respect. Asana practice creates a strong, flexible physical body and internally cleanses the glandular systems creating purity from within. Breath or prana is perceived as the essence of life. As the asana practitioner learns how to incorporate breath control health is obtained by gaining the ability to control the nervous system. Asana practice combined with breath control prepares one for meditation. The end resulting in a content state of mind that enables one to be free from everyday stress and tension.
Anyone can practice yoga. You certainly do not need to be flexible or young. In fact, we practice yoga to become more flexible. The only thing you need is the drive to improve your physical and mental health. Yoga has the power to transform bad habits and perceptions; Changing the negative into positive by heightening awareness. Be mindful that yoga practice is a process that requires patience and time; With consistent practice one will create supreme health and well being.
"Asana brings steadiness, health and lightness of limb. A steady and pleasant posture produces mental equilibrium and prevents fickleness in the mind" -B.K.S. Iyengar
What style should I choose?
Hatha yoga or physical yoga is the unification of breath and movement. There are many forms of Hatha Yoga. Ashtanga, Iyengar, Viniyoga, Integral, Sivananda, Power, Anusara and many, many more. Ashtanga, Iyengar and Viniyoga are styles developed from the teachings of the great guru Krishnamaycharya. Krishnamacharya introduced the importance vinyasa, or the serpentine loop that interconnects the breath with the body's movements during asana practice.
Ashtanga Yoga is a system of yoga taught by the famous guru, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, in Mysore, India at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute. It consists of progressive sequences of traditional postures placed in a specific order. It is a powerful, challenging, gymnastic, and flowing practice. In Ashtanga yoga, it is of main importance to synchronize breath with each any every individual movement to create intense internal heat (tapas) to cleanse the body from within. Iyengar is a method developed by world renowned guru B.K.S. Iyengar. It is a very intricate and detailed way of interpreting asana, emphasizing precise alignment. B.K.S. Iyengar introduced the therapeutic use of blocks, straps and chairs to asana practice, making his method accessible to all people at any stage of life.
Power Yoga or Power Vinyasa is a combination of Hatha breath work, energetic, Ashtanga based, flowing vinyasas and Iyengar alignment. Power Vinyasa is gymnastic and free form in terms of sequencing. It is energetic and liberating enducing tremendous heat from within to increase circulation and vitality. It is a challenging workout that will leave you feeling at peace because there is a natural realignment of your body which creates a natural realignment of your perception of life and who you are.
No style is better than another they simply emphasize different elements. Some emphasize strict posture alignment while others emphasize holding asanas or linking postures with vinyasas. All forms create a similar result; A pure, strong, flexible body and a calm mind. The most important aspect of any practice you may choose, is the student-teacher relationship. Gaining a rapport with a teacher is the most valuable aspect you will find on your journey into yoga. It is imperative to have a guide that you can trust on your journey into physical and mental consciousness.
"Yoga is known as the disconnection of the connection with suffering."- Bhagavad-Gita (6.23)
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