Contributed photo The standing postures gently stretch alternate sides of the body while contracting the opposite. (Click for larger image)

What about yoga?

By NATHAN STEELE

Yoga is everywhere these days. From Madonna to TV infomercials, from fitness centers to high schools and hospitals, people are discovering the joys and reaping the benefits of this age-old health system. Stories abound of the power of yoga to help people recover from injuries and in alleviating chronic medical conditions such as high blood pressure and low back pain. Unfortunately, many people might be reticent to try yoga because they compare themselves to the models in the media and feel they could never bend that way! Well the good news is, you can reap the benefits of a yoga practice without becoming a human pretzel. Yoga can work for everyone from the aged or the infirm, the slightly stiff and overweight, the youthful, supple and strong.

Many people unfamiliar with yoga confuse it with religion. Yoga is more of a practical science for self-care and personal growth. Activity and rest, tension and relaxation, strength and flexibility—the regular practice of yoga brings the opposing demands of our lives into balance. With less of our energies devoted to that bad back, or worries about our general health, we have more energy to devote to our families, communities and professions.

	Contributed photo A yoga practice begins with a short period of centering. This is the time to pull ourselves away from our usual lives. (Click for larger image)

The components of a yoga session are simple to understand. A yoga practice begins with a short period of centering. This is a time to pull ourselves away from our usual lives. It is a time to examine ourselves objectively. How does this body feel today? Where am I feeling tension? How am I breathing? What is stiff? What is painful? Make no effort to change at this time, just observe.

Next follows a sequence of postures, or “asanas.” The postures and the movements between them alternately stretch one side of the body while contracting the opposite. This cycle of compression and release, of careful movement coordinated with deep breathing, has profound physical benefits. Stiff joints and limbs moved gently and attentively to their limits become gradually both stronger and more supple. Habitual patterns of stress are slowly erased. This kind of movement, along with breathing, increases the circulation of blood and lymph throughout the body. The entire body from bones to skin benefits, as does the mind.

Lying down in relaxation completes the session. With the body resting in comfortable stillness and the attention focused on the breath, the body assimilates the work accomplished during the postures. This period of attentive relaxation should leave you feeling mentally alert, yet calm, physically energized, yet relaxed.

As long as these three elements—centering, postures and relaxation—are included, a physical yoga practice can be quite brief, say 20 minutes or so. There are countless yoga books and videos on the market covering every facet of this science. However, beginning with some professionally taught classes is highly recommended. A competent teacher can help you develop a routine that fits your physical capacity and lifestyle. If you are dealing with a physical limitation, they can help you learn to modify the postures and your practice to avoid injury. Attending classes with the same group of people once or twice a week can be a wonderful aide in keeping a regular practice. There are a variety teachers and programs in the area, ranging from month long residency programs to classes offered by yoga studios, hospitals, health clubs and fitness centers. Find a class that meets your needs and enjoy the transformation!

[Nathan Steele is HITA Certified Yoga Teacher and Co-Director Bio/ Alchemy - Yoga Studio in Honesdale. He can be reached at 570/253-9122.]