What is Yoga

 

Yoga is an ancient art and tradition based on a harmonizing system of development for the body, mind, and spirit.  It's more than an exercise of the body.  It was developed to still the mind of never ending chatter.  An on-going practice of yoga will provide you with a sense of peace and well-being, as well as a feeling of being at one with yourself, your family, friends and your environment.

 

Yoga is based on the idea that the mind and body are one and cultivates health and well-being (physical, emotional, mental and social) through the regular practice of a range of many different techniques, including postures and movement (known as asana), breath awareness and breathing exercises (known as pranayama), relaxation and concentration, self-inquiry and meditation. Yoga can improve health by improving how you see the world, which calms the spirit and decreases stress.

 

Yoga can be practiced by anyone.  The postures are generally done while standing, lying down, sitting on the floor or sitting in a chair.  The postures can be modified with various props to make the practice accessible to all body types.  While practicing a posture, you do breathing exercises to help relax your muscles, maintain the posture, and focus your mind. 

 

Hatha is one of many types of yoga. While each type focuses on different aspects of yoga, all share the same goal, which is not only improved physical and mental health, but achievement of "oneness" with a higher being, the Self, or some form of higher awareness.

 

Yoga is an approach to life that values appropriate effort, based on balance and harmony, within each person and with each other.