The Truth of Yoga

If you are trying to find an effective way to relieve stress, exercise your body in a constructive manner, and be happy when you're done...you must try yoga. Many people visualize yoga as some form of bodily contortions that are not achievable or even enticing to pursue. However, this image could not be further from the truth of what yoga truly is about and offers. It has been around for over 5000 years and common sense should tell us that if something has successfully worked and been practiced for that long, there is a reason.

Yoga, like all things in life, comes in a variety of formats. Yes, there is the form of yoga in which there are advanced poses that can take years to achieve. However, that style is not the primary one that many people practice. You might one day reach those advanced poses and that is great if that becomes your goal; however, you must remember to keep your focus on what your body can achieve at the present moment. Yoga is utilizing the breath in unison with the movement of the body. The key functions of yoga are to help lengthen your spine and muscles and teach you how to breathe deeply within your body.

As you learn to master your breath and movement, you become more centered. The mastering of the breath helps to quiet your mind and ultimately, you learn how to overcome stress before it overcomes you. There is no competition, no hurry to get to the next level, no deadline to reach. The true beauty of yoga is that if you truly practice it with the intention to help yourself, you will achieve what you are inwardly seeking...and possibly have a positive revelation about something you did not know about yourself.

Unlike traditional exercises, such as running or aerobics, yoga not only strengthens, lengthens and tones the body's muscles; but the movements are also designed to work and exercise the internal organs. It truly works you from the inside out. It has been known to help relieve high blood pressure, anxiety, and insomnia, just to name a few ailments. Ultimately, you have the potential to find serenity within yourself without looking for it elsewhere. Don't let issues such as not being flexible or out of shape hinder you from trying it. Yoga will change that for you. Don't wait until you're in a better mindset to get started...that's when it is the best time to start.

Don't think that yoga is a religion or is conflictive with your faith. It is not attached to any faith, nor is it intended to change what you believe. If anything, it strengthens your spiritual self. Lastly, don't assume all classes and teachers are the same. We do not make that magic connection with every person we meet and the same goes for teachers. Therefore, do not assume what happens in one class is what you will experience in another. Consider it a journey for yourself and be the observer of your experiences. There is much truth in the wise statement, "When the student is ready, the teacher will come."

I started yoga four years ago with the desperate desire to relieve anxiety attacks and depression. Not only did it eliminate these issues but it also brought so much more into my life than I ever imagined possible. It made such an impact on me, it compelled me to pursue the training to become registered with the Yoga Alliance so that I could share it with others. The practice of yoga slowly enables you to free yourself of not only tight muscles that restrict movement, but tight thoughts that are restrict your mind's ability to allow YOU to truly live life to the fullest. I have been blessed to encounter many students that have experienced revelations during their practice and are happier and more relaxed than they have been in years.

Yoga is a personal practice and you are the one who chooses how you want to practice. It is called a practice because there is no perfection to achieve. You simply practice to learn more and the physical results will manifest in time. True, there are correct ways to do poses; however, each body is made differently. Therefore, what works for one person may not work for another. You make it work for yourself and never worry about what the person next to you is doing, for they are on their own journey as well. The beautiful truth is that you simply get to share each other's positive energy. The energy that radiates around your body exists and you know what it feels like to be near someone with negative energy. During a good group yoga practice, positive energy is generated and it literally expands to fill the room and it is very gratifying and uplifting.

There is much to learn and enjoy as you pursue the practice of yoga. Remember that it is something that you are doing for yourself so that you can be healthy, happy, and at peace.

I wish you much happiness and know that we all start at the same place...the beginning. A lot changes the more you practice. Only you can experience the changes that are necessary for you. In honor of what Gandhi said: "Be the change you wish to see."

Enjoy your journey and the revelations that appear along the way...

Namaste' (translated: The divine Light in me honors the divine Light in you)

My intention is to introduce (or re-introduce) the practice of yoga to everyone who would benefit. I teach yoga at the YMCA and Yoga Country. I strive to increase my knowledge in an effort to help people learn how to help themselves through the practice of yoga.

Valerie Goodman

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