How is Yoga Different than Exercise?
Yoga is an ancient art. It is a vast science.
Often today, when we say 'Yoga', what comes to mind are the Asanas, or postures.
With consistent practice, Asanas bring physical health, but they are so much more than exercise and only a tiny part of what Yoga encompasses.
Exercise is typically done with physical fitness goals in mind. We move our bodies because we know it is good for us. It improves circulation and it keeps our hearts strong. We might do exercise to keep our body weight in check or to build muscle. We may turn to physical fitness for stress relief and to clear our mind. Moving the body is good for us on many levels.
In Asana practice we move the body from one posture to another. There are MANY different styles of Yoga. You can practice a flow of demanding and dynamic sequences. Or you can approach a practice with a restorative or gentle focus.
Many people come to Yoga with physical goals in mind, but inevitably a practice leads one to access deeper levels of the Self.
With all styles of Yoga breath awareness is key. By paying attention to the breath, we anchor ourselves to the present moment. We get in touch with what is going on from moment to moment. We start to hear what is going on in our minds and hearts.
When we quiet our minds enough we become conscious of the more subtle aspects of Self. We become aware of the subconscious and unconscious patterns of our lives.
Yoga gives us a chance to hear the stories we tell, and become an observer. We do not uncover these stories with the goal of analysis. We do not strive to explain our thoughts and feelings, we simply get in touch with them. We become more aware of ourselves; our stories.
What also starts to happen when we spend enough time on the mat is we realize the breath is always there; coming and going. We realize our thoughts are always there; coming and going. We become aware of emotions that arise and pass away. We witness the fleeting nature of our existence. Instead of jumping in to solve or fix, we get a chance to be and we see it is ALL okay.
We stop the reactions that are otherwise automatic. We gain the sweet pause that connecting to our body and breath gives us.
We realize life is happening and we are not in control. We stop gathering tension and let go in to what is unfolding. We release holding and develop trust in the flow of life.
By moving mindfully on our mats we do get stronger muscles. We gain flexibility and agility. Our balance improves. Through a Yoga practice we improve circulation. We strengthen our hearts. We improve respiration. We release stress and balance the nervous system.
And we heal ourselves on subtle levels including mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Yoga is a practice that takes us deep inside ourselves. We get to be with ourselves for the duration of our practice and access ‘what is’ going on inside. We practice listening to ourselves. We get in touch with the truth. We let go of what is not serving us and we find inner peace.
When we start to affect ourselves in this way, this balance and harmony ripples out into the world.
By consistently practicing Yoga not only do we heal ourselves, but we affect the world around us. We get healthy on ALL levels: mind, body and soul and we reflect that out into the world.
A mindful movement practice gives physical benefits, but so much more benefits.
Give it a try. Or try it again. If in the past you didn’t find the teacher or practice you were looking for don't give up. There are so many different styles of Yoga. Many different approaches and teachers. Keep looking until you find one that resonates with you.
Want to try one of my classes? I teach online and you can give it a try from anywhere. Reach out and I will send you the Zoom link.
