Why Yoga?
Yoga is a practice that focuses on the union of the individual and the universe. It addresses how we live our lives for ourselves and for others. There are many mental and physical benefits to practicing yoga. For example, there are a variety of poses that focus on strength or flexibiliy. Yoga also connects the movement of the body with the movement of the breath. The connection between the body and the breath allows the brain to slow down our thoughts and focus. Yoga is so much more than moving your body into a specific shape. I believe that a posture is less about what the pose looks like, and more about how it feels. Yoga provides a mental, emotional, and physical experience.
Why Me?
One of the most common reasons people refrain from trying yoga is because they think they are not fit or flexible enough to be good at it. There is so much more to yoga than crazy hard pretzel poses. Yoga has so much to offer that it is easy to form a yoga practice that works for you specifically. I believe that yoga is for anyone and everyone. There are countless ways you can approach your yoga practice and find what works for you. For example, there are lots of physical modifications and alternatives that allow you to receive the benefits of the pose while respecting your body's capabilities. Some people may really only benefit from the meditation portion of the practice. Other people really enjoy being able to slow down and let go of the day. Yoga offers something for everyone. Your practice can be whatever you want it to be.
Why Now?
Life during COVID-19 has been stressful. We need some kind of stability and grounding during these times of uncertainty. Yoga allows us to focus inward and check in with ourselves. It can be a way to process everything happening around us. One of the great things about yoga, is that it offers tools that we can use off the yoga mat and in our everyday lives. If you have been sitting at a desk all day, taking a 10-minute break to do a few yoga stretches can help you refocus and reenergize to get you through the day. If you find yourself feeling stressed or anxious, a few minutes of a breathing exercise might help calm you down. Being outside is a great opportunity to just close your eyes and meditate by listening to your surroundings or focusing on your breath. There is no time like the present to work on mental and physical health and learn the tools that can make yoga a lifestyle.
