Yoga Basics

Taking Your Practice off the Mat

Submitted by Karen_E on Wed, 02/25/2009 - 20:59
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As we have learned in our yoga basics course, the purpose of yoga is to quiet the mind and ultimately bring us closer to a state of oneness with the universe. Practicing asanas, or yoga poses, helps us direct our attention to the present moment, creating a sense of stillness and strengthening the mind-body connection. During an asana class, your instructor may occasionally remind you to scan your body for any areas where you are holding tension.>>Read more »

Beginning a Regular Yoga Practice

Submitted by Karen_E on Wed, 02/18/2009 - 21:37
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If you're new to yoga and interested in beginning a regular practice, I recommend looking for a local yoga studio. Although many quality yoga DVDs are available for home use, until you have learned the proper body alignment for the most common asanas, it's best to learn under the eye of a trained yoga instructor who can give you correction and guidance as needed.>>Read more »

Yamas and Niyamas: Yoga's Codes of Conduct

Submitted by Karen_E on Thu, 02/12/2009 - 01:49
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In A Brief History of Yoga, we learned that the Indian sage Patanjali wrote the Yoga Sutras in order to unify and standardize the yogic principles discussed in earlier spiritual texts. The first two limbs of Patanjali's eight-fold yoga path are the yamas and niyamas, guidelines for social conduct and personal observances.>>Read more »

A Brief History of Yoga

Submitted by Karen_E on Thu, 02/05/2009 - 02:03
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Last week we learned about some basics of yoga, and that the purpose of yoga is to transcend the individual self and achieve oneness with the universe. This week we are going to look a little more closely at the roots of yoga. The history of yoga is closely intertwined with the evolution of Hinduism; because of this, people often think that yoga evolved from Hinduism. However, yoga actually existed first, and Hinduism (along with other religions) later incorporated some of the principles of yoga.>>Read more »

The Basics of Yoga

Submitted by Karen_E on Wed, 01/28/2009 - 19:59
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What do you think of when you hear the word yoga? The ability to do a headstand or the splits? While yoga is a highly beneficial form of exercise that can increase strength, balance, and flexibility, you may be surprised to know that these things are only fringe benefits of yoga, not its primary purpose. Yoga is actually a multi-faceted spiritual practice that can benefit many areas of your life.>>Read more »

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