WHAT IS YOGA?
Developed in India, Yoga is a psycho-physical discipline with roots going back about 5,000 years. Today, most Yoga practices in the West focuses on the physical postures called "asanas," breathing exercise called "Pranayama," and meditations. However, there's more to it than that, and the deeper you go the richer and more diverse the tradition becomes. The word "Yoga" means union. Linguistically, it is related to the Old English "yoke". Traditionally, the goal of Yoga is union with the Absolute, known as Brahman, or with Atman, the true self. These days the focus is often on the more down-to-earth benefits of Yoga, including improved physical fitness, mental clarity, greater self-understanding, stress control and general well-being. Spirituality, however, is a strong underlying theme to most practices. The beauty of Yoga is in its versatility, allowing pracitioners to focus on the physical, psychological or spiritual, or a combination of all three.
WHAT IS OM?
Om, also spelled "Aum." is a sacred Hindu sound symbolizing the Absolute. It often is used as a mantra during meditation. Although often pronounced as if it rhymed with "home" it is also pronounced "ah-oo-mm."
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOGA AND JUST PLAIN STRETCHING AND NORMAL EXERCISE?
Traditional exercise is goal oriented: How many push ups can I do? Can I touch my toes? Yoga by contrast, is a process. The idea is to focus your awareness on what you are doing and how you feel as you perform the postures. In exercise, you fail if you miss your goal. In Yoga, you succeed by trying. There's also a difference on the physical level. Weight training, for example, makes you stronger by breaking down and rebuilding muscle tissue. It's this breaking down and rebuilding that results in the bulky muscle look. Yoga increases strength by toning the muscles.
HAS IT BEEN "PROVED" THAT YOGA IS GOOD FOR YOU?
Yes. Western science has been studying Yoga for nearly 50 years, and the evidence shows numerous physical and psychological benefits from Yoga. Interestingly, there seems to be something about Yoga vs. exercise and controlled breathing that is beneficial. For example, a recent study with heart patients showed that those who followed a stress reductions program that included many Yoga practices did better than patients who exercised or did nothing. Further, preliminary studies in the United States and India suggest that Yoga maybe helpful for specific conditions, such as asthma, epilepsy, anxiety, stress and others.
IS YOGA A RELIGION?
No and ......Maybe. It depends on how you define "religion" and how the Yoga practitioner approaches his or her practice. The physical and psychological benefits of Yoga are real and don't discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, political persuasion o any other way people like (or dislike) to categorize themselves. The benefits also don't depend on chanting Om. On the spiritual side, most mystical traditions -- East or West -- draw similar maps of the spiritual path. So in that respect, Yoga is mainstream. Like Shakespeare said, " A rose by any name would smell as sweet." For these reasons, many people feel they can practice Yoga without conflict with their religious beliefs. However, yoga is connected to the Hindu tradition and draws on many Hindu beliefs.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW TO TAKE MY FIRST CLASS?
Come to any class of your choice about 15 minutes early to sign the paperwork. Wear comfortable clothes you can move in. We have loaner mats you will need for the first class but highly recommend you purchase your own mat for hygienic reasons. Bring and open mind and heart.
WHAT ARE SOME GUIDELINES FOR PRACTICING YOGA AT MIND AND SPIRIT YOGA?
1. Please bring an open mind.
2. Arrive early to register, ask questions and get comfortable.
3. Wear loose clothing that will stretch as you move.
4. Bring a towel or mat to create your own sacred space.
5. Avoid eating a heavy meal for at least two hours prior to class.
6. Inform instructor of injuries or medical conditions.
7. Consult your personal physician prior to starting any new exercise
program.
8. Avoid inversions poses if pregnant or menstruating.
9. Breathe through your nose unless otherwise instructed.
10. Slowly move into and out of poses.
11. Close your eyes as much as possible in order to focus on how your body
feels rather than how it looks.
12. Accept and respect how your body is performing each day ......avoid
competition with yourself or other students.
13. Listen to your body, perform poses at your own level, and ask for pose
modifications when needed.
14. Drink plenty of water after practicing.
15. Practice a few poses at home 10 - 15 minutes each day
BE IN THE MOMENT, whatever it is.