Share    Print   Save    Become a Fan



Yoga for Everyone
By Kim Paluch   
Rated "G" by the Author.
Last edited: Thursday, April 05, 2007
Posted: Thursday, April 05, 2007

A short definition of yoga and its benefits, reinforcing the simple fact that yoga is for everyone.

The word "yoga" comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, which means "to join" or "to yoke".

Yoga is an ancient art and exercise, and an aid to self-awareness and physical well-being. Rooted
in traditions that enhancing awareness of the mind, body, and spirit, yoga practices seems exotic
and foreign to some--not for "them".

It is true that yoga has been around and survived for centuries outside of the United States, in a
part of the world that many Americans have little connection to or awareness of. But this amazing
practice migrated to the United States, among other areas, as people began to share what yoga
has brought to their lives.

Before I say any more, I want to be clear on this. Yoga is for everyone; yoga benefits anyone
who wants to learn and experience this practice for themselves. There are no requirements.
No one has to twist themselves into a pretzel, no one has to sleep on a bed of nails.

There are different forms of yoga, each emphasizing different areas of wellness and other states
of being. When someone is not able to perform the postures, known as asanas, they do as much
as they are able, without force, without judgment.. For some it may mean using assistive
devices, such as blocks, straps, and blankets to keep from creating pain. For others it means
breathing and using their mind to envision their bodies performing the posture.

With practice, many people learn not to over-tax their bodies, but to simply keep the body
alignment each posture requires as they move toward the pose. Yoga is not about going further
or bending and stretching the farthest. Yoga is a Hindu method of learning that makes use of
exercises, breathing sequences and meditation. to experience enlightenment, to connect to God,
and to understand your personal mind/body connection. As an exercise, yoga often practiced by
some simply as an aid to healthy living.

In short, Yoga is for everyone.