By Natalie Hamilton

Yoga is something that must be experienced. It simply cannot be explained in a few short words. Yoga benefits people of all ages, shapes and sizes. One is never to young or to old, to big or to small, to enjoy the wonders of rediscovering yourself through yoga. Yoga is an ancient practice of well over 5000 years with several “yogis” whom have experience internal power and strength through a series of “pranayamas” breathing techniques, “asanas” yogic postures, and meditation. Throughout the years, several great Master’s have passed on their knowledge of this to their students whom have continued this custom until it has been adopted by the Western world. This practice is all about self-discovery and bringing focus back to what is truly important; feeling whole again. The union between the body, the mind and the spirit is achieved solely once the individual ‘s disposition is calm and free of limitations. Yoga addresses the physical, mental, emotional and Physical imbalances, allowing you to unleash you full potential.

You may ask how does one benefit from this therapy? Simply put, Yoga allows you to reconnect with all of your authentic self and rediscover who you were and what you wanted before all the stresses and the obligations of everyday life. Yoga comes from Sanskrit, the great language of ancient India. Its principal meaning is oneness. Derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, yoga means to join or to focus your attention; in more detail the word means the union of the individual self with the universal self. The outcome of this union is a pure and perfect state of consciousness. The importance of this result is vital to the healing process one may undergo when choosing this method, as a therapy. Classes consist of breathing techniques called Pranayama breathing, followed by physical postures (Asanas) intended to loosen, stretch, align the body and connect the mind to the body. Finally, the class ends with a silent meditation and relaxation where the individual tries to calm the mind. All classes engage in a meditation; if there is no mediation it simply is not Yoga. The postures, whether they are mild or challenging, prepare the body for meditation and work simultaneously with the breath to dislodge built up tension and blockages thus allowing the individual to de-stress, relax and rebalance themselves.

Yoga means different things for different people. The immense difference in feelings generate different results through their healing process. The way we transition through what one may call a “rite of passage” is significant for each person who explores this spiritual endeavor. All in all, it does not really matter which style or how you choose to engage in this practice because all forms of Yoga are about self-discovery and realization of our true nature or state of oneness. Through the practice of Yoga, the fluctuation of the mind ceases, our limitations such as any blockages or tension are released, distractions are gone/minimal, our bodies tend to release tension and they want to relax which allows our mind, body and soul to reconnect and transform us. Yoga is not a religion but a spiritual haven. The path to Yoga explores the question “Who am I?” In the course of such exploration one develops an awareness of the world they live in and a deeper understanding and acceptance of themselves. Yoga, is not intended to be defined and explained, but rather experienced and practiced. “You are never to old, to young to tall to short, to fat or to skinny to start from scratch.” -Yogi

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