A Basic Definition of Yoga
Yoga is a 5,000-year-old system of technologies and methodologies
that provide a complete philosophy of living. Yoga addresses the
understanding of the timeless questions about the nature of life,
reality, and the self. Yoga is unique in providing not only an intellectual
framework, but also actual experiences that support the conceptual
or theoretical model.
What Yoga IS
Yoga is a science of self, personal and direct, not theoretical
or dogmatic. It is open ended; the extent of one's progress
is unlimited.
- Yoga is a set of practices to help quiet one's body, mind,
and emotions. The skill is in the act, not tied to a specific
end or goal.
- Yoga is pleasurable, enjoyable and meaningful in the manner
of more conventional hobbies and pastimes.
- Yoga is popular. Some six million people in the United States
practice it.
- Yoga is a process of pinpointing and correcting imbalances,
especially in awareness, acceptance and adaptation.
What Yoga Is NOT
- Yoga is NOT a religion. It is a spiritual science, but makes
no statement about God. Yoga evolved out of the Hindu tradition
and draws on some of the beliefs. Because it is a spiritual
path or vehicle, it can be practiced and adapted by people of
all creeds.
- Yoga is NOT a cult. Devotion to charismatic leaders or occult
rituals is not a part of yoga.
- Yoga is NOT a cultural phenomenon. It does not require unusual
costumes, customs, foods, etc.
- Yoga is NOT hypnosis. Rather, it is thought clarifying.
- Yoga is NOT competitive. Its focus is an inner directed (intrinsic)
experience without outer intent (extrinsic goals). Easily adaptable
to all ages and phases of health.
- Yoga is NOT a practice of self-denial. Ascetic practices are
not necessary or recommended.
- Yoga is NOT painful. While working for changes in body and
mind the movements may initially be uncomfortable, however,
the process is intended to be gradual, approaching the beginning
of pain but not to passing its threshold.
- Yoga is NOT narcissistic or asocial. Many find the class setting
to be a fulfilling social experience. Most people who practice
yoga find that they have increased capacity for interpersonal
relationships.
What Happens in a Yoga Session at the Ando Studio?
- Each session lasts approximately 60 minutes. One session a
week or more is recommended.
- You should wear loose comfortable clothes. Mats and small towels
are provided.
- Each session is a unique response to the individual or class.
- Sessions are designed to create an educational experience
of yoga in which the individual's own innate healer is evoked.
- A mind/body/spirit experience is always present at some level,
as defined by the participant.
- A system of body awareness will be incorporated so that more
complete healing within a session may be accomplished.
- The relationship between breath and flowing movement will
be developed as a powerful tool for healing and optimal health,
as it attunes body, mind, and breath.
- A variety of yoga postures will be assumed. These will range
from 'very heating' to 'very cooling'. Each posture has its
own signature, and will help purify the physical body and create
optimal physiological function.
- Guided imagery and relaxation will be used to create a highly
receptive state for healing and connection.
- Meditation using breath, mantra, or image will allow the person
to rest in the natural state of being.
- The optional exercise of sharing, which is open ended, non-judgmental,
without comment and creates a space for spontaneous expression.
- Affirmation will invite participants to look "inside" for any counsel or wisdom, and ideally create a commitment to
act on this guidance.
What Are The Benefits From Yoga?
- Relaxation response including inner awareness, inner sense
of unity, vascular relaxation, muscular relaxation, increased
energy, improved balance of body functions, optimal immune response,
optimal flow of fluids, nourishment to all parts of the body,
opening of the emotional body, balanced heart rate and output,
relaxed, and efficient breathing.
- Experiential understanding of unity/reality based on an accurate
perception of the self.
- Practice of the concept that all that we desire is within
us waiting to be discovered, and that the appreciation of externals
is a reflection of inner satisfaction.
- Non-judgmental awareness/acceptance of all parts of the self
and connection to source through yoga
- Integration of body, mind and spirit that provides increased
health and energy, supportive relationships, exploration of
spiritual potential.
- Work that sustains and nourishes the individual for the benefit
of life.
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