BODYKNOWLEDGE

Most people initially become interested in yoga for one of three reasons. They are in physical pain, they are having breathing issues, or they are looking to reduce stress in their lives.

Once they begin practicing they quickly realize that the body, mind, spirit connection is very real. Understanding with awareness how they are all integrated is the key to getting better. Pain cannot be eliminated from the body with erratic breath and an unfocused mind. Breathing cannot be regulated if your body is in distress and your mind is racing. Stress cannot be alleviated if your body and breath are tense and anxious. Practicing yoga on a regular basis keeps the body working together as one unit.

Feeling “whole” as a person gives you a sense of strength and confidence, eliminating fears, negativity and restraints. I don’t teach or should I say preach, the spiritual aspects of yoga (although I’ve been studying the practice for about 10 years now), but I do focus on the idea of meditation in motion. It’s a perfect way to start uniting the body. As you move through your practice (think.... physically challenging martial arts kata) you begin to learn how to improve your awareness. Awareness leads to clarity, clarity to connection, connection to gratitude and gratitude to the moment.

“The secret of health for both the mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, not to anticipate troubles, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.”

- Buddha