Yoga Balance
There are many physical benefits to practicing Yoga. However, Yoga is more than a form of exercise. Yoga is an ancient Indian art, science, and philosophy. The word “Yoga” comes from Sanskrit and is usually translated to mean union because Yoga unites the body, mind, and spirit. Yoga is a spiritual practice, but it is not a religion. Yoga can be practiced by anyone regardless of religious beliefs, or physical limitations.
In the first written account of yogic philosophy, The Yoga Sutra, Indian sage Patanjali defines Yoga as a vehicle for stilling the mind. Focusing on a single point can silence our thoughts and calm the mind. One of the most common focal points is the breath. Patanjali describes “eight limbs” of Yoga. Hatha Yoga traditionally focuses on only two of these: Asana, or the physical postures, and Pranayama, or yogic breathing.
In the first written account of yogic philosophy, The Yoga Sutra, Indian sage Patanjali defines Yoga as a vehicle for stilling the mind. Focusing on a single point can silence our thoughts and calm the mind. One of the most common focal points is the breath. Patanjali describes “eight limbs” of Yoga. Hatha Yoga traditionally focuses on only two of these: Asana, or the physical postures, and Pranayama, or yogic breathing.