Philosophy of Yoga

Often times I asked what my Philsosphy of Yoga is. Well, here goes...

I believe that is a way of life. Not to say that I live on my mat in headstand all day, but that the awareness my study has brought me has affected every aspect of my life. When I began to study yoga it was simply a way to "work out", something I could do at home with relatively little equipment and space needed. Little did I know that a transformation would take place.

This transformation was subtle. Coming from a dance background I felt pretty confident going into my study that I "had what it took", but I was completly unaware of the benefits to this practice aside from physical. The definiton of the word Yoga is "to yoke". This has become to mean a union of the Mind, Body and Spirit. Typically this is what the practice does even if it is unintentional.

Physically I began to become aware of my body. I know this sounds cliche, but many of us simply exist and allow our bodies to do what they usually do without question or exploration. In the study of Yoga one begins to focus on what is happening internally as well as externally to the physical form. I began to notice my muscle definition coming back as well as my general strength and flexability improving. The simple movements of everyday life and how my body performed them became noticeable. Not that I was doing anything "wrong" per say, but I became aware of how I could use my body more effeciently. Even simple things as how I walked and stood, moving from a lying to seated position and even sitting at my computer became more simple. Within noticing these things I was able to adjust enough to correct my posture and solve some unwanted neck and back pain. I even stood taller (which if you know me is great because I'm a very short person). I also began to notice how I was carrying stress in my body. For me, my shoulders engaged every time a stressful situation presented itself. In becoming aware of this, I could use the Yoga breathing and simple directed relaxation to change my reaction to it thus, reducing my stress levels overall. The "no pain no gain" philosophy which I had come accustomed to slowly gave way to the Yoga philosophy of "honoring what your body is capeable of doing today". I know that in our society we are taught that if we're not pushing ouselves to a "painful" place we aren't working hard enough. The clarity of the fact that this was destorying the benefits of a whole body wellness was obvious. We do NOT need to beat ourselves up to be healthy!

Mentally my awareness shifted as well. I was no longer fixated on being perfect in any way. Yoga teaches that we are incredable, valuable and beautiful just as we are. Not that there aren't thing I would like to improve upon, but these are no longer things that society demands, but things that I feel would make me a healthier and happier person. In allowing ourselves to be flawed and imperfect we can begin to realistically be aware of the thing we can and want to change to improve ourselves for ourselves. As the body needs rest, so does the mind. When we refuse to allow our mind to rest it will take it out on the body in the way of stress. Yes, there are some things that I get stressed about, I am human, but in taking the time to rest my mind daily, it is better prepared to deal with the things it must when they present themselves. This mental relaxation practice also leads way to better sleep and the ability to calm ourselves when needed. Within the structure of my class I teach an unguided meditation. This is where each student simply allows their mind to wonder to where it leads them. Not that it is always easy to "get there", but it gives the students a much needed break in having to think about anything. This is very valuable as when the mind is quited during class anything that needs to present can and often will despite the students effort.

Spiritually I began to discover many things. Being raised in an evangelical environment I had many things taught to me and simply accepted them as the "because I said so" truth. In both my physical study of Yoga as well as my intilectual study through books and such I began to discover the things I belived. NOT because someone said it was true, but by delving into my own spirituality and what that ment to me. I am not a Guru and have no desire to be one. I believe that the Spirituatliy aspect of Yoga should come from within the student and therefore I do not teach it to any of my students. Not to say that I haven't had students ask my opinion, which I am happy to share, but I don't believe in the "because I said so" so I do not say anything pertaining to it with my classes.