Yoga
    _____________________         

     "Union"   "To yoke together"    "Oneness"

Yoga is a path to help us live our day - day lives with ease and to sense the inner peace and radiate the love that is the essence of our true being.

"The regular practice of Yoga
can help you face the turmoil of life
with steadiness and stability."
                                      -B.K.S. Iyengar

Yoga has been described as an art, a science, a philosophy.  It has been around since the beginning of civilization. One can be of any faith to practice Yoga as religion does not matter.

For many people, the initial draw to Yoga is to feel better, look better, or be less stressed.   Those things may very well occur as a result of practicing Yoga. Yet people who stay with a yoga practice for any length of time  may realize that the benefits are far greater than looking and feeling good.

Back aches may improve.   A higher fitness level and increased energy may occur.   Sometimes blood pressure lowers, skin problems clear up, and  sleep improves.  There may be less agitation, less depression.   In some, asthma improves,  cholesterol levels lower, blood sugar balances out, arthritic aches and pains may lessen .......

So what is it about Yoga that can help bring about these changes?

Asanas, (postures), pranayama (breathing practices, and meditation:

• cleanse, strengthen, and stabilize the physical body including the nervous and glandular systems
  
• Balance the internal energies
• promote flexibility and fluidity
  
• quiet the mind
  
• open the heart
  
  

The ancient Yogic philosophy states that by stilling the mind we will be able to clearly see who we really are beyond this body and personality.  It reminds us that we are a part of everything that exists.   We can call it God, Consciousness, Energy, Spirit;  it doesn't matter.  What does matter is that we feel connected to and not separated from all that there is.  What matters is that we not feel alone. Therefore, the traditional teachings of Yoga provide guidance on ways to help us to be free of suffering, to be more at peace, to be more loving,  to feel happy,  and to live with a kind, open heart. 

"Like water which can clearly mirror
the sky and the trees
only so long as its surface is undisturned,
the mind can only reflect the true image of the self
when it is tranquil and wholly relaxed."
    -Indra Devi