what is yoga?
“River Rock Studio is a blend of professional efficiency and a deep soul-healing space for yoga. I drove 1 1/2 hours with two yoga friends to take a Saturday class there, and even though it was an ordinary class, (not a special workshop) Moira’s chosen theme of “community” was woven artfully throughout the practice. She teaches every class as if it were the most important class that she will ever teach. I highly recommend that you invest in your well-being and visit this studio”. ~ Beth Pierce
The practice of yoga
The word Yoga means “to yoke together” or to create a union. Yoga is a time-honored practice originally developed in India over 6000 years ago. The practice of yoga was intended to quiet the mind of the practitioner, and thus, to reduce his or her suffering. With consistent practice, the physical practice of yoga or “hatha yoga” has been proven to have incredible physiological, mental, and spiritual benefits.
How Yoga Works
Movement and the holding of postures are coordinated with breathing techniques to create strength, flexibility, and agility in the body and provide a peaceful mind and a wonderful sense of well-being. Yoga enhances all systems of the body; respiratory, circulatory, and nervous while lubricating the joints for better mobility and, often the alleviation of pain.
How the practice of Yoga Supports You
The practice of yoga supports your daily activities, as well as enhances athletic ability. Vinyasa yoga classes provide cardio conditioning while creating a toned, muscular appearance and a healthy, optimally functioning body. Yoga practitioners claim to experience a deep inner stillness that arrives when the mind is at peace, the body is free from stress, and the emotions are in harmony with the needs of the moment. Yoga can be practiced by people of all ages, all body types, and all levels of fitness.
“It takes time for a fruit to mature and acquire sweetness and become edible; time is a prime factor for most good fortunes.” ~ Atharvaveda
Top Benefits of Yoga
- Stress reduction
- Increased strength and stamina
- Improved balance and flexibility
- Alleviation of pain
- Sense of well-being
- Weight-loss
- Management of chronic conditions
- Decreased depression, anxiety and insomnia
A Special Note
If you are currently practicing yoga or are just beginning your practice, please remember that it is not a contest and there is nothing you have to perfect, prove or accomplish (don’t you have enough of that in your life already?)
The postures are more about connection than perfection; more about exploration than expectation.
You may be asked to relax, and to let go of your to-do list. You may be asked to notice your body.
You may start to realize that if you are not in your body, you are not in your life.
You may be asked to breathe. Breath is the tool that takes you where you want to go.
Be patient and watchful and tender.