I am interested in learning more about Yoga. I have heared from many people that it can really enrich your life, in all aspects, whether it be mental, physical, emotional, etc. What would you guys say are some of the greatest benefits Yoga can provide you, and should I find some Yoga center near my home? Any suggestions would be helpful.
Well, there are the obvious physical benefits of yoga; the flexibility, stamina, the ability to have complete awareness over your entire body. It is exhausting after a session, but it is invigorating at the same time. There are also mental benefits. I find it is sort of like a form of meditation in itself. Teaches you to concentrate on the present moment rather than anything else that may be going on at the time. And it also takes a great deal of concentration and dedication. There are also other benefits that are a little more difficult to describe. After starting yoga, I have felt more at one with the world around me. Whatever I may be doing, I always feel more centered and focused. The disciplines taught in yoga most definitely carry over into other parts of your life. Good luck!
I definitely recommend you give yoga a try! Some people are able to start at home, on their own. There are tons of good DVDs out there to guide you. For me, it took going to a wonderful yoga class to get you started. That community is what really keeps me motivated. So, maybe try both! Let us know how it goes.
I've been BSing from a book and some mags. I'm starting for the third time now. Yeah, I really need some discipline, but when I've been at it for a few weeks I feel great.
I agree completely. A good class is the best way to get started. The energy level is just so much higher in a room full of focused individuals. You might also find out something about yourself. Personally I struggle to stay within myself in the presence of so many interesting bodies. I would make sure to get as much personal attention as possible to make sure you're starting out right. Three times a week seems like a good number of classes to start with. After about 6 months of classes, I started purchasing DVDs and began practicing seven days a week. I still go to classes on the weekends, but the continuity of a daily practice is very powerful. The personal growth I've experienced is amazing. Yoga is the second best thing that's happenned to me in the last 5 years. The first is the birth of my daughter.
Go to your local library, and (hopefully) they will have a copy of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autobiography_of_a_Yogi Read it. And then ask yourself this question again. The why is more important than the how. x
The basis of yoga is the asana or seat. Each aspect of yoga leads one to seat their awareness. This is the great blessing of yoga as such is that one will find means for becoming familiar with themselves, which should provide wisdom, or at least methods for development of wisdom. Which may not seem important when one picks up a practice. But later it becomes the very point.
