The word yoga literally means "union" and the practice of yoga focuses on achieving harmony and balance between the body, mind, emotions and spirit. To many of us in the West, the term may conjure up visions of meditation, levitation, chanting and Indian gurus who contort their bodies into complicated poses that appear too difficult for the ordinary person to accomplish. Yet behind these stereotypes, lies a rich, time-honored philosophy that can teach us not only how to attain physical health, but also mental tranquility and spiritual peace.
Traditional vs. Western Yoga
In India, where it originated centuries ago, yoga is a way of life emphasizing austerity, devotion, selfless service and discipline. Historically it was known only to a select few, specifically physically fit young males, and its secrets were well-guarded and handed down from teacher (guru) to student (yogi).
In North America, however, people work, have families, hobbies, and otherwise lead extremely busy, hectic lives. As a result, yoga has been adapted to the Western lifestyle, modified to suit a range of abilities, body types and needs. Here it puts the emphasis more on health, fitness and beauty. For most practitioners in the West, yoga is all about the physical poses, or asanas. Yoga has become the latest fitness craze, marketed by brand name companies and counting numerous celebrities among its devotees. Television programs, books and video tapes abound, and yoga classes can be found in virtually every western city, all but replacing aerobics at traditional gyms and community programs.
There are purists who condemn the Westernization of yoga, fearing that much of the true meaning is lost within its growing popularity. But others, like Ganga White, believe there is room for all philosophies, all directions of study. As illustrated in his article, Standing Upon the Shoulder of the Past, those who are truly interested will find their own path.
Yoga and You
Is yoga exercise, a lifestyle, a philosophy or a religion? Is it all of them or none of them?
The answer is that the practice of yoga is as individualized as those who study it. It will give back to you what you put into it. It is for all ages and fitness levels, and if physical limitations have prevented you from trying yoga, props, such as yoga bricks, belts, chairs and bolsters can be used to help you ease into the more difficult poses. The advantages of yoga can be felt even if you have only fifteen minutes a day to devote to it, and it doesn't matter which style of yoga a person studies. So, no matter how old or out of shape you may be, you can make yoga a part of your daily life.
If you're a beginner, take some time to research the styles and teachers that are available in your area before you start. You may find books and videos useful as well. You might want to talk to friends, relatives or co-workers to find out what they recommend. In the end, it's important to remember that the study of yoga is a living, growing thing, continually evolving as you devote time to its practice.
Whether it's traditional or more aerobic, practiced on your own or with a partner, find the style and method of learning that speaks to you and let yoga into your life.
Benefits of Yoga
People seek out the practice of yoga for many reasons – fitness, alleviation of pain, stress relief, relaxation, and weight loss among them. Regular practice of yoga can help you gain strength, stamina and flexibility. Asanas (poses), together with pranayama (breath control) and dhyana (meditation), can have many positive effects on physical as well as psychological disorders. Numerous U.S. hospitals are opening wellness centers that include yoga sessions to help patients manage illness or recover from surgery.
Types of Yoga
There are a number of primary types of yoga, Hatha being one of the most popular and mainstream. Hatha is the physical aspect of yoga, concentrating on the individual poses and proper alignment of the body, and it forms the basis of all yoga practices.
For those looking for something more athletic, Ashtanga yoga links various poses into a "series" or sequence, which provides a more aerobic-type workout. Still other styles of yoga incorporate breathing exercises, or pranayama, the other building block of traditional yoga, as part of their routines. Examples of these are Flow and Vinyasa Hatha, both of which combine series of asanas with conscious, rhythmic Ujjayi (victory) breath and vinyasas (dynamic breathing flows).
However, yoga goes beyond poses and breathing exercises. Information about the more dynamic and spiritual sides of yoga are discussed in the article, The Four Yogas.
