Yoga Definitions

What is yoga?

Yoga is a physical and spiritual practice with roots in ancient India but with relevance to daily life in modern times. Many people are introduced to yoga through hatha yoga, the part of the practice that involves exercises to stretch and strengthen the physical body. There are many different styles of hatha yoga, some more meditative, some more physically vigorous. Yoga can be practiced to enhance overall health, to heal and prevent injuries and to strengthen and open the body for meditation. Yoga's increasing popularity is proof that many people value an exercise system that engages the mind, body and spirit in equal measure. This yoga program offers exercises that are accessible for people of all ages and of all levels of experience and ability. If you've never done yoga before, give it a try and have fun!

What is meditation?

Meditation is a completely natural process that does not have to be associated with any religious ritual, dogma or philosophy. Anyone can do it. It is the process of directing the mind to a given focus of concentration in order to transcend ordinary thought and experience deeper levels of consciousness.

The focus of concentration we use to reach these deeper states of consciousness can be an image, a thought or a word, or a sound or a feeling. There are many roads to one destination; use the one that works for you. Consistent practice helps and so does an open mind toward what the experience might be like. We can trust that there is a source of peace, wisdom and happiness inside, if we make the commitment to turn our attention there.

These guided meditations will give you a way to start, and if you want to pursue meditation further, you can seek out a meditation teacher. You can meditate for any length of time you choose, from a few minutes to a half hour or more. At first, try it for a short time and then gradually increase the duration as you practice more. It's best to practice sitting in a quiet place, and you can review the section called Posture and breath awareness before you start.

What is stress?

Stress comes from thinking that we are not able to deal with what is at hand, whether it's a task, a person or a situation. We feel an urgency, a demand with no easy solution. Typically the mind becomes agitated, spinning thoughts and feelings at a fast pace. The body is stimulated in the flight or fight response, which increases muscular tension and speeds up the rhythm of the heartbeat and the breath.

Stress can easily become a vicious cycle, compounding itself. The techniques offered in this program will help to stop the cycle and alleviate the stress.