Yoga is a special gift that I give to myself daily. A gift of serenity and peace as well as greater vitality, flexibility, and refreshment for my body. The hatha yoga practice that I discuss in this blog in my humble opinion is ideal for individuals like me who were born (or at least seemingly so) uncoordinated. Gentle hatha yoga keeps me flexible, toned, and healthy. (I also engage in aerobic exercise-- I jogged for 21 years and in the past few years, I have been using a mini-trampoline or "rebounder.") Gentle hatha yoga emphasizes s l o w movements held for stated periods of time. The poses might frustrate the former jock or athlete who would likely prefer more strenuous forms of yoga such as "power yoga" or "bikram" yoga that is performed in a hot room so that you sweat profusely. However, the hatha yoga asanas I do daily are accessible virtually to everyone because you can progress at your own pace. Even if you can't full touch your knees in the head to knee pose, you are still gaining many benefits inside and out! 1) increased alertness and clarity - it's a great way to wake up in morning!; 2) improved ability to handle and overcome stress -- my 11-year old son sometime can test my patience...; 3) greater flexibility and limberness so you feel ageless!; 4) massaging of your internal organs - a result not achieved by routine calisthenics or other traditional forms of exercise; 5) normalized weight through the regulation of your thyroid gland; 6)cleansing and strengthening of lungs through powerful breath exercises; 7) improved complexion through increased blood circulation; 8)boosting of your energy throughout the day; 9) looking your personal best.
Yoga Quote of the Day: Instead of the often aching muscles produced by ordinary 'exercise,' yoga delightfully refreshes your body and spirit and allows you to look your personal, radiant best." Adapted from Yoga for Beauty and Health by Eugene Rawls and Eve Diskin.