What is Yoga~

Yoga is a Sanskrit word that means union. Translated into English, yoga is the essence of layering breath with awareness in the stillness of movement.  The breath is like a bridge, that connects the mind and the body.  Yoga represents the ability to experience the union of mind, body and spirit, whether you are still or practicing a sequence of mindful movement.  It always amazes me when people say they are not flexible enough to perform yoga, because I don’t see yoga as simply a physical state of being. Yoga is more than a sequence of movements or poses, it is a state of being and is good for all bodies, benefitting all physical conditions.  For instance, if you wrists are weak, you can always do yoga on your back, stomach, or side without incurring additional injury.  Yoga is for people of all ages, with one leg, or one arm, for the able bodied and the disabled body. Yoga increases flexibility of body and mind.

When you honor the messages of your body; your physiology, it is through yoga that you will be guided to deeper aspects of who you really are, in hopes that you will recognize that you and I are each beyond body.  When we work with the perfect self and expression of self, you are performing yoga.  Remember, yoga is not about the position, or asana, that is just one of the eight limbs of yoga.

Flexibility-Strength-Yoga

Remind yourself of your ethics, values, life disciplines, selfless service, and create a sacred space within your body for the full expression of your soul.  Yoga is fun, and ignites creativity, spontaneity, and the natural benefits will be increased flexibility, strength, balance, and a greater understanding of the meaning of UNION.

Enjoy the yoga, trust yourself, have fun and be creative.  There is no wrong or right way to perform yoga, all that is needed is your willingness.

Baddha Sarvangasana,

Deborah Shemesh