Most Westerners today are familiar enough with yoga to associate it with stretching and working out at the gym. Or maybe the term conjures up images of hippies in crazy pretzel positions. Either way, we have an inkling of the practice, but suspect (or fear) that there must be something more. Why else would an exercise have it’s own language? And why do eccentric yoga teachers insist on breathing and ending every class with a nap?
Yoga is certainly a great way to get fit, no doubt about it. Who doesn’t want a yoga butt? Beyond that, though, yoga doesn’t have much in common with your favorite spin or step class. It predates the entire concept of “exercise” by thousands of years.
Classical yoga involves the physical asana practice, as well as ethical living, breath work (pranayama), and meditation. These are helpful practices whether or not you’re aiming for enlightenment. Much of the current scientific and medical research on yoga has focused on the many benefits of breathing exercises and meditation. Got stress? Try yoga. As with asana, it’s best to find an experienced teacher to introduce you to the practice. If you’re intrigued by this brief introduction to yoga philosophy, by all means pursue further study. If you think it’s a bunch of hocus-pocus, that’s fine, too. Keep attending your favorite yoga class; enjoy the way it makes your body feel, appreciate the calm it brings to your mind and spirit, and don’t worry about the rest. Yoga is non-dogmatic, after all – take from it whatever bits and pieces you can use, and leave the rest. You might even find some deeper benefits emerging in your life along the way.
