What is Yoga?

(Truths and Misconceptions of Yoga)

Yoga is not a religion...in fact you might say that it is an 'umbrella'. Under it and in it and all around it contains all the worlds' religions, belief systems and philosophies. Yoga is not a religion...it is a universal concept that brings things scattered together. That may be people, ideas or simply the exercises that helps one to bring him/herself together.

Yoga and Meditation go hand in hand and Pranayama is an integral part of both. The Asanas' we practice (postures) stimulate nerve energy. Of course we all know that nerve energy passes along the spine and sends impulses to our brain and through-out the body. Stimulating and increasing nerve energy through-out the body gives us more energy, clarity and awareness (hightened consciousness).

Pranayama is working with or using breathing techniques to integrate movement with breath. Prana means 'life force'. By practicing various Pranayama we then stimulate our energy centers (chakras) and open up latent mysteries, powers, energies that may be asleep in many of us. This awakening in combination with inner reflection through meditation is the beginning of the awakening of the potential of human beings...

Yoga originates from the East. The earliest writings about Yoga appear in the Bhagavad- Gita about 10,000 years ago. From India the Yogic techniques were taught to the monks in the Himalayas and they in turn (with some changes) taught it to the villagers who needed to learn how to protect themselves.....these teachings evolved and became what we know today as Martial Arts.

Yoga is a good way to exercise. It combines various styles that can calm and relax your being as well stimulate your nerves, work you muscles and condition your organs. It is an over all tonic that helps the entire organism. It can be practiced at home every day for just a few minutes or in a studio environment where you are guided through the postures step by step.

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