YOGA

Nothing can make you physically feel the essence of air and mind like yoga...

"Yoga is best known as a set of physical practices that include gentle stretches, breathing practices, and progressive deep relaxation. These physical practices are intended to ready the body and mind for meditation as well as for a meditative perspective on life. These meditative practices also follow a sequence. First developed is the capacity to withdraw the senses from focus on the outer world, then, the capacity to concentrate on a meditative subject-a candle flame, a sacred or uplifting word or image, or the movement of the breath. Finally, and for most of us only occasionally, the concentration leads into a wordless and timeless experience of inner peace. The yoga masters describe various subtleties among these states of inner peace, but most of us, at best, achieve moments of this experience from time to time." ~Michael Lerner, "Choices in Healing"

The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word "Yuj" word meaning union (or joining). I would word it a bit differently: It is a general term, encompassing various disciplines, from the purely physical to the purely spiritual - and everything that lies between. The object of Yoga is to stop all mental process, including yoga itself. Yoga is "The Art of Unity and Love." Yoga is an applied science of the mind and body, and teaches that a healthy individual is a harmoniously integrated unit of body, mind and spirit.


HATHA
Very popular in the United States, Hatha Yoga is an easy-to-learn, very basic form of yoga. It is the foundation of all Yoga systems, and is preparation for higher Yoga systems. Ha means "sun" and tha means "moon." The two parts of the name refer to positive (sun) and to negative (moon) energy. These currents are balanced and mastered so that vital force, or prana, can be regulated.

The ideal practice of Hatha Yoga is in a calm, meditative state of mind. Sit quietly for a few minutes. Once beginning the series, slowly, with control and grace, be inwardly aware as the body performs the various poses. Do not overdo or compete with others. Take it easy and enjoy!


ASANAS
Asanas are postures of gentle stretching movements designed to help balance the mind and body. These yoga postures were designed to rejuvenate the brain, spine, glands and internal organs. They increase blood and prana supply to these areas and by stimulation. Most Asanas work on more than one aspect of the body at the same time. Many of the asanas have animal names because yogis devised asanas partly by observing animal instincts at work in the wild.