Yoga

Yoga is a nondenominational methodology for physical, mental, and spiritual growth . The practice of Yoga is regarded as the actual effort to direct the mind without distraction or interruption, and to calm and steady this wild monkey.

It is also known as the path to God through love, through knowledge, and through work.

Yoga, a method of training to achieve new levels of consciousness It is a willingness to be aware of all parts of ourselves In broad terms, the purpose of yoga is to reduce disturbance in the mind and return the individual to his or her inherent peace and power.

Asanas

Asanas, Hatha Yoga postures are different from other forms of exercise, such as running, biking or swimming. The postures along with the breathing not only align your body’s skeletal structure and strengthen the muscles, but they also have a profound effect on your mind and your emotions. Yoga postures can often free blocked emotional energy. It is the experience of students who have been practicing for awhile that they sometimes find themselves suddenly crying or just feeling very emotional. The release of physical tension which comes from doing the many of the poses in Yoga can have a cathartic effect on your emotions.

In Hatha Yoga your breathing is deepened and syncronized with the the postures. The syncronized deep breathing allows you to relax into the poses. The poses themselves will only evolve into their intended form as your breathing deepens and your muscles begin to relax, this is what makes Hatha Yoga distinctive from other forms of exercises. Tension is released while in pose. The postures will not leave you feeling fatigued or overexerted after your workout. The postures with the breathing are designed not only to give you a healthy vigorous body but they may also awaken deep emotioins and unlike other forms of exersise they develope awareness of your inner self.

A Hatha yoga posture is called an Asana. There are three stages to each Asana, coming into the pose, holding it, and coming out of it. Come into the pose slowly and continuously do not strain for the pose, deepen your breathing as an aid. Hold the pose for as long as is comfortable for you, the real work of an Asana is done while you hold the pose. Once you are relaxed in the pose adjust yourself for maximum stretch. Then stay quiet and motionless in the pose. Release very slowly, exhale deeply as you release.