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Yoga and You
September 1, 2012
By Mary Duryea
What is Yoga? Do you think of slim young flexible people doing impossible pretzel poses? “I could never do that!” is the common reaction when seeing these images. But don’t be intimidated…yoga can be done by virtually anyone. The physical poses, or asanas as they are called in yoga, are numerous and can be modified and kept simple for every level of practice. However, the asanas are only a part of what yoga is really about. The word yoga means to yoke or union. The goal is to combine the asanas with breathing and meditation in order to encourage the union of body, mind, and spirit. There is also a lifestyle component to the full practice of yoga, the yamas and niyamas, with suggestions very similar to the Ten Commandments. However, yoga is NOT a religion and can be practiced by people of all faiths and spiritual beliefs. Its true purpose is to bring health and contentment, not just physically, but mentally and spiritually too.
In our western society most yoga classes focus on the physical aspects, which are beneficial in themselves. Yoga has been shown to decrease the stress hormone cortisol, which in turn can affect many diseases including depression, anxiety, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity. Its breathing exercises can help those with respiratory diseases and can be used to control stress. The physical poses are also good for orthopedic issues if done appropriately. Strength, flexibility, and balance can be improved.
Choosing to give it a try is your first step on your yoga journey, which could prove lifelong. If you have medical issues, you may want to see a yoga therapist for some individual sessions. If you start with a class, choose one appropriate for your level as there are many styles of yoga classes. A gentle yoga or basic yoga class may be better unless you are already in good shape. Let the instructor know in advance of any health issues so modifications can be offered. The main thing is to listen to your body cues as you practice. If a pose feels like it could be wrong for you, always choose to modify it to your body’s ability or do another pose. Listening to your body and not your ego will be safer and more rewarding in the long run. Each time you practice you will notice differences if you stay tuned to your body and breath.
Once you learn some of the basics, yoga is something wonderful to do on your own. All you need is a quiet piece of floor space and the commitment. Remember to incorporate your breath awareness with your poses and include time for meditation. Think of meditation, called savasana in yoga, as your reward and the real goal of your practice. It is like the Jacuzzi after swimming laps. Practice exploring your stillness in meditation and your inner spiritual self, and you may find a feeling of calmness and contentment seeping into the rest of your life. Even if you don’t practice the physical asanas, meditation alone has a beneficial effect on your health.
So turn off the TV and computer, set down the book or paper, and devote a few minutes each day to your practice of yoga. Yoga is for anyone who chooses to do it. You may find these minutes to be the best ones of your day. September is National Yoga Month and many studios offer specials. Hopefully you will find it habit forming and cultivate an overall feeling of being more content and relaxed in your life journey. Namaste, which translates to “I bow to you”, and signifies the spirit in me saluting the spirit in you.
Mary Duryea is a certified yoga therapist currently teaching at Core Balance in Lee’s Summit, and is a retired family physician. She is a guest author for the Health Education Advisory Board of Lee’s Summit.
“Health is a state of complete mental, physical, and social well being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.” World Health Organization
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