Why Yoga?

Grounded in the body, Yoga is an ancient system of integration. The subtle attentiveness required while practicing Yoga postures and breathing brings freedom to the body and mind and cultivates awareness in all aspects of our lives. Ultimately, Yoga (which means union) is a mystical path with practical feet.

There is evidence that yoga was practiced over 5, 000 years ago in the Indian subcontinent. There are many paths of yoga and much speculation as to the meaning behind the first yoga.

Modern yoga students find that the timeless tools of yoga postures, breathing and meditation increase the quality of their lives and cultivate self awareness and compassion.

The benefits of Yoga are numerous. On the physical level a student can expect to have increased flexibility, strength, balance, postural alignment/stability and healthy internal organ functioning. Yoga helps reduce the symptoms of various diseases and conditions through its detoxifying nature. Spiritually and emotionally, one might find increased concentration and energy, as well as emotional health and balance to be among the many benefits of a regular yoga practice. Mild symptoms of anxiety and depression have been reduced in certain people through yoga.

Copyright Julie Rappaport all rights reserved, 2003.
Not to be used without permission.