What is Yoga??

Yoga is a timeless philosophy or way of being that originated in India and has continued to evolve over thousands of years. A person who follows the path of Yoga is called a yogi or yogini. When you go to a yoga class you experience an aspect of yoga - the physical practice of asana or postures. Most yoga classes will also include some pranayama or breath work and dhyana or meditation.
Typically, at the beginning of class the instructor will guide you to move into a comfortable seated position, close your eyes and begin to notice your breath.  Observing the breath helps us to let go of our busy thoughts and allow our minds to quiet – to become fully present in the moment.  Focusing on the automatic and easeful way our bodies invite oxygen in and release it back out can also bring awareness to how we may take for granted the function of the breath and it’s importance.  On a physical level, oxygen nourishes and heals our bodies.  On an emotional and mental level it invites us to release negative thoughts and energy and to receive clarity and serenity.  On a spiritual level, it connects us to a deeper inner awareness as well as to the whole – the Universe.
Because our breath helps bring our minds into stillness we may now look within.   During class, you will be guided to move mindfully through yoga postures as you are reminded to stay connected to breath – noticing what, where and how you feel. Different postures relax and open different areas of the body inviting breath/oxygen/energy to flow to and through our entire body bringing healing and nourishment.
At the end of class there is time for relaxation and restoration (savasana) usually in a reclining pose on the floor - props are often offered to ensure total comfort. It is the time for the mind to continue to observe the breath as it settles and for the body to drift into total stillness while it rests allowing the effects of your practice to integrate into your entire being. 
Yoga classes will vary depending on the instructor and style of yoga.  There are different styles that focus on different aspects of yoga as a physical practice and/or yogic philosophy.  These developed as yogis were moved to incorporate their personal energy and experiences into what they knew.  A few examples are:  Anusara, Kripalu, Iyengar, Ashtanga, Bikram, Viniyoga and Kundalini.

More info on Yoga:

The word Yoga comes from ancient Sanscrit, a language used by the Brahmin, highest caste or priesthood in India.  Among the meanings associated with Yoga are:  

                                        to join and yoke
                                        to direct and concentrate one’s attention to
                                        to use and apply
                                        union or communion

The first known cohesive writing on Yoga was by Patanjali (c. 200 BC).  It was called the Yoga Sutras and explains the path of Yoga as having eight limbs or stages – asana, the most familiar, being the third limb. 
They are as follows:

  1. Yama – ethical discipline, such as:  truth and non-violence.
  2. Niyama – individual discipline, such as:  cultivating contentment, study of self, mindful care of body.
  3. Asana – postures developed to train and discipline mind.  Intention is to move towards complete union and balance of body, mind and Spirit.
  4. Pranayama – rhythmic control of breath, prana meaning life force energy or breath, ayama meaning length, expansion and restraint.
  5. Pratyahara – freedom of the mind from desire
  6. Dharana – concentration
  7. Dhyana – meditation
  8. Samadhi – state of super-consciousness brought about by profound meditation, in which the individual becomes one with Universal Spirit.

 

There are many levels on which to embrace Yoga in your life.  Open, breathe and enjoy!