What is Yoga?

By Jacqueline

Hello Beautiful Soul!  Welcome!

So the question at hand is, what is Yoga?

There are various forms of Yoga. Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Yin Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Jivamukti Yoga, Hot Yoga and many more. My focus has been Hatha yoga and Ashtanga yoga. I just love the calm Hatha brings and the challenge Ashtanga presents making these two together absolutely enticing to me. I advise that you find the practice that connects with you. 

Modern research has discovered what yoga tradition of India has known and relied on for thousands of years. The mind and Body are ultimately connected. With guided breathe-work added, a deep sense of mindfulness is forced into play.

Yoga is a body awareness technique that helps you experience deeper levels of peace, increased energy, better health and ultimately greater happiness.

If you are new to Yoga, start with a few basic and fundamental techniques. Once you have established in a few asanas, the transition to sequences comes naturally. Try starting with 5-15 minutes a day, and growth to longer practices will follow. If you prefer a challenge, 45 minutes to an hour is sufficient.

Remember to hydrate during and/or after practice.

It is important to practice ideally first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Middle of the day and late evenings is wonderful too as long as there is a two hour grace period after a meal.

Wear clothes that you can sweat in and are comfortable.

Use a Yoga mat preferably. However, a towel will do too.

Be patient and compassionate with yourself through the process.

Lastly, have a great time!

Namaste:)

asana: Uttanasana, aka (forward fold variation, key word!)

benefits: Used as a resting position, calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression, stimulates the liver and kidneys, stretches hamstrings, calves, hips, thighs, knees, improves digestion, reduces anxiety and fatigue, relieves headaches and insomnia

chakras: Root, Sacral, Solar plexus, Crown