Yoga as a Path to Peace & Health

I love beginners! I love everything about the fresh curiosity when someone learns that yoga can help them with their problematic neck, back, shoulder, anxiety, stiffness, you-name-it. I am asked nearly every day, and I answer every one of those questions with fresh enthusiasm as though I am saying it for the first time.

Why? Because you may be hearing it for the first time, and I want you to know that there is hope. Because I may be able to get you relief when nothing else has before. I also want you to be informed, and I will get you the correct information. If I do not know how to help you, I am not too proud to say, "I don't know, but I'll try to find that out for you."

So to answer some of your questions, I wrote "Yoga as a Path to Peace and Health." "Peace?", you say? Well, yes. Although many people find yoga as a relief to a physical problem, isn't there a sense of internal peacefulness when that problem feels better or goes away? There is definitely a sense of peace that comes with good health and a relief from pain.

Here is "Yoga as a Path to Peace & Health."

The practice of yoga is a blend of art and science that creates union between body, mind and spirit. Its objective is to generate awareness of our thoughts, movements, and behaviors to live as fully realized beings intimately connected to the unified whole of creation. Living a healthier life brings about a sense of peace when we suffer less injury and degeneration and we are better able to take care of ourselves and our family. Yoga is compassion in action.

Yoga has numerous benefits to the body, makes you feel very good, and has much less incidence of injury than most forms of exercise. In each class, you will get instruction in breathing, stretches and movements, called asana (AH-san-a), and meditation. You will likely feel calm and peaceful, and with regular practice you will feel more inner peace in your day-to-day life. Many people report great improvement of degenerative conditions for which they once needed pain medication! Yoga also emphasizes the principle of non-harming which includes kindness to oneself with patience and respect for your own body’s capabilities. Although yoga can be challenging at times, it is not a competition, and it is best done with an open mind.

Although anyone of any background or worldview can practice yoga, the primary philosophies behind the practice comes from two ancient sages who never met each other: Patanjali (Pa-TAN-ja-lee), who wrote The Yoga Sutras (teachings), and the Buddha, who came from a region in India to teach the path to enlightenment more than 3,000 years ago. Yoga was originally taught as a physical discipline to purify and prepare the body for long periods of meditation and stillness. It is during this stillness that amazing transformation takes place. While most people experience peacefulness similar to that experienced in spiritual states of mind, yoga as we practice it at Full Circle Yoga is not intended to create or replace any religious beliefs.

Yoga will compliment any fitness routine you currently engage in or it can be your main form of exercise. One thing is for certain: the more you do it, the better you’ll feel. You can enhance your understanding by taking classes and viewing many useful articles and books you'll find on our shelves. To enhance your experience, we also encourage you to take a look at our healing arts services such as Reiki energywork, ayurveda, nutritional coaching, and yoga therapy.

The level of transformation that takes place is directly related to how much you practice. Yoga is completely natural, and nature takes its time. So, don’t give up. We are here to teach you and guide you toward your personal goals and transformation. Our mission is to provide the light for your path in yoga.

Kristen Fewel

Written September, 2010. All rights reserved.