YOGA.

YOGA is a Sanskrit word meaning “union” or “joining together” and it all started in India. Many centuries ago, men of great intellectual and spiritual stature perceived in a direct way that human beings body emotions, mind, and spirit pull in their own directions as each or in short, “disjointed.” And because of that, they believed that this causes separation and prevents an individual from functioning as an integrated whole, wherein his full potential is realized. So these wise men of ancient times evolved and perfected a system of self-development known as YOGA.

There are several major types of Yoga, each has different techniques. But, all designed to achieve the same UNIFYING objective. Two of the major Yogas are RAJA (meditation) Yoga and HATHA (physical) Yoga.

Hatha Yoga is my favorite.

"ha" means sun and "tha" means moon. Hatha also means force, power, or effort. Hatha Yoga is therefore identified as the yoga of activity. Hatha Yoga involves the use of body positions, called asaunas or asanas, meaning the postures or poses practiced in Yoga. In addition to asanas, the system includes a series of special breathing activities, known as pranayama, meaning breath control or translated as “life force extension”. Yoga believes it does not rejuvenate the body but extends life itself.

Interest in Yoga is very high and with good reason. Millions of Americans have come to recognize that the benefits of physical Yoga are very great. Not only do they far surpass those of any system of self-improvement for the body, but they extend also to the emotional and mental aspects of the individual. Yoga is concerned with the health and beauty of the organism as a unified WHOLE. Improvement in general health, emergence of hidden beauty, emotional stability, and a positive mental outlook will be experienced by all those who apply themselves diligently to the practice of Yoga. This is true practically regardless of age or present physical condition!

Guidelines:

1. It is best to practice Yoga on an empty stomach. Try not to eat 2 hours before the practice. The body functions with more ease if it is not busy digesting food. The oxygenated blood will flow toward the digestive system instead of the joints and muscles.

2. ALWAYS REMEMBER that your body is different than anyone else’s body. LISTEN to YOUR body. Every day your body will have a different amount of energy. It is important for you to be aware of this. If you cannot do some poses, work on them slowly, gradually and patiently. Always come out of a pose when your breath or equilibrium is disturbed or there is strain in the body.

3. It is helpful and safe to dress comfortably for maximum movement as well as relaxation. This will cause the blood flow, breathing, and movement to be easy and unrestricted.

4. The effects of Yoga are cumulative. You must be consistent over time to have a lasting and beneficial effect.

5. Movement and breathing are coordinated together. This integration of breath and

movement is essential to Yoga. Take deep diaphragmatic breaths, inhaling and exhaling

through

the nose.

6. LASTLY, stay in the moment with your Yoga practice. This ability to stay in the moment will flow over into your daily life creating clarity, balance, and joy for yourself and others you come in contact with each day.

-Glenda