An Introduction to Yoga from Yoga Space

Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.
- Mahatma Ghandi

Yoga – The word yoga is Sanskrit for union. It is a practice to unite the body and the breath and the mind in order to foster a relaxed and healthy body, and a deeper awareness of the self.  One of the aims of yoga is to help the practioner cope with life’s changes with a sense of peace and ease and to allow him/her to experience the complete spectrum of life’s experiences more fully and completely.

Some keywords:

Hatha – One of the oldest, most traditional forms of yoga. Ha means sun and Tha means moon.

Asanas – Refers to a series of movements and postures to help realign the body both physically and energetically. Asanas create a strong, healthy body that is able to hold an increased amount of energy or prana.

Pranayama – means breath control. Yogis believe the mind and the breath are innately connected.  A slow, even breath reflects a calm state of mind. However, when we are under stress, the breath can become short and shallow causing feelings of fear or anxiety.  By learning to control the breath one can master the mind and respond to change and stress more easily. 

* In yoga, we inhale and exhale through the nose to warm and filter the air before it enters the lungs and to slow the breath and foster awareness of the subtle, energetic body. There are many different exercises to control the breath and cleanse the body.

Dhyana/Meditation – Meditation is the most advanced form of yoga. It is the practice of sitting still and staying present.  By simply sitting and letting thoughts come and go, one begins to understand the mind and the self more deeply.  Asanas and Pranayama are both performed as steps toward relaxing the body and mind in preparation for the stillness required for meditation.