There are many reasons people initially are drawn to a yoga class. Some
come to get in better shape. Others come to relax and find peace of
mind. Still others come to heal physically or emotionally.
To me, the bottom line reason to practice Yoga is that it makes you
feel good. Much of the physical aspect of yoga is about getting your
body to open, to lengthen, to expand, and to stretch! As we practice
yoga more and more, this feeling of openness carries over into other
areas of our lives. Furthermore, we aren’t getting any younger.
Every day our bodies age just a little more. If we don’t do something
to intervene, we will become weak and tight. This doesn’t feel
very good! You may experience more aches and pains. You may move a little
slower and feel less energetic. And this isn’t surprising the
way most of us live. We spend a great deal of our time sitting at a
desk, in the car, and at the dinner table. Poor posture while standing
and sitting compresses our internal organs and constricts our circulatory
system. When blood flow is restricted, oxygen and vital nutrients cannot
properly feed our cells. This gradual undernourishment contributes to
the overall aging, drying, and hardening of the body. This is not a
good thing!
Yoga restores youthful energy and vitality! It’s amazing how your
body can heal and repair itself if given a chance. Yoga creates symmetry
and strength in your entire body so you feel lighter. The stronger you
are, the lighter you feel because you have more strength to carry your
weight. You will have a bounce in your step! In addition, the more flexible
you are, the harder it is for pain to lodge in your body. A flexible
spine is the result of proper spacing between your vertebrae which helps
to avoid pinched nerves and overall back discomfort.
Some people confuse yoga with religion. Nothing could be further from
the truth! Yoga preaches no theology whatsoever. Regardless of your
religious or spiritual beliefs you still can practice yoga. Yoga teaches
us about our breath and about our body and mind. Yoga helps us recognize
the energy that exists in and around us. Yoga teaches us to find our
own awareness, our own truth, and our own brilliance. Give Yoga a try
and you’ll see that it is the ideal practice for a lifetime of
physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health!
Drew
Overholser is owner of Rishi’s Crossing Yoga Studio in
Lakewood Colorado. Along with teaching classes at his studio and at
assisted-living facilities to seniors, Drew also leads yoga classes
in the Roxborough area on Tuesday mornings for beginners and intermediates.
Drew also does personal and sports coaching for people wanting to live
their best life. Drew can be reached at drew@rcyoga.com or at 303-984-8444.
