As we contemplate our goals for 2016, usually , somewhere in the mix, there is a desire to commit to improving one's health and well being either physically, emotionally or spiritually. As the old adage goes, "Health is Wealth" - and indeed the new year - a new beginning - is a good time to re-focus some of our time and attention on our personal well being! This often means old habits need to be broken and new ones have to be developed to replace them. But the key question is "How and where to start?"
I would suggest taking the time to think about what is sustainable and attainable in your present lifestyle. There is of course a myriad of choices out there...gym, pilates, cycle,core power; not to mention the endless styles of yoga classes on offer. Now I am going to tell you why I believe Yoga should move to the top of your list of choices over gym, pilates, or any of the other forms of exercise; not because there is anything wrong with any one of these but they offer one or maybe two areas that need addressing...And I am referring to the real yoga..one that involves mind/body/breath.
Yoga is something that can be done at all ages and fitness levels > sustainable!
It is everywhere today > attainable!
The most recent study on Osteoporosis published in New York Times showed 12 minutes of yoga helped to build and retain bone density more than any other form of exercise (see New York Times article at 12 Minutes of Yoga for Bone Health). Yoga teaches you better posture which opens the sensory spaces in the body... more space; more breath; more oxygen. A slumped body means supressed breath; by definition suppressed breath means suppressed emotions...and could cause mild depression.
In yoga the mind, breath and body are being asked to perform a task in a coordinated, synchronized way. The simplest of actions with the breath allows you to let go physically and emotionally, reducing the level of stress pent up in the cells of our body. This can and does have the effect of changing one at all levels of our being-physical,emotional and spiritual.
Yoga is a one stop shop!
I do recommend the Iyengar method of hatha yoga (yes, it is my passion ) as it will give you a good foundation of alignment and understanding of your own body and how to work with it. However, finding a teacher that you connect with is vitally important too. If you are not happy in a class that offers the best alignment information, you are not going to stay and you are not looking after your psyche! So do take the time and effort to decide what classes best suit your needs.
Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open.
~ B.K. S Iyengar (Guruji)
Wish you all A Happy and Healthful New Year!
