Yoga was developed thousands of years ago and is now practiced world-wide. Many people think that yoga is just stretching. While stretching is certainly involved, yoga is really about creating consciousness in mind and body. Movements and actions are generally slow, building strength, endurance, flexibility, balance and coordination. This slowing down creates focus and concentration and brings freedom from stress. We learn to become calm and to “be”.
Directing our body to move slowly and fluidly is challenging and requires practice. As we practice yoga, with interest and attention, we develop a greater ability to connect body and mind, spreading awareness throughout every cell of our body.
Yoga leaves you feeling refreshed and alive – it makes you feel good! Yoga can be practiced by anyone regardless of age, gender or physical condition. Props, such as blankets, belts, chairs and blocks can provide physical support allowing you to receive the benefits, without creating stress.
Yoga nourishes, nurtures and supports all the body’s systems and organs. Some of the benefits of a regular practice include
- Improved posture
- Improved circulation and breathing
- An overall increase in strength and stamina
- Improved health of muscular & skeletal systems
- Improved spinal suppleness
- Improved organ function
- Increased body awareness
- Improved balance and coordination
- Increased concentration and focus
- Reduced stress
- Improved ability to relax and rest
Yoga provides a coming together or symphisis between our body and our mind and this connection helps us with daily life. Of course this doesn’t happen after one class, but with practice it does come, and it is available to EVERY BODY.