Loving yoga

[sugarmagnolia1]

 The last few days I have been stunned to find out that some people believe that it is wrong to practice yoga due to religious conflict. I have done a lot of research on the topic because I have truly shocked and I was going to write about it but I have changed my mind. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and beliefs and I have no place or desire to criticize them. Instead I have decided to write about the positive impact yoga has on my life.

I have been practicing yoga on and off for almost 8 years. I took a "yoga for beginners" class my freshman year in college for 1 credit. Then nothing until 4 years later after graduation, marriage and pregnancy. I bought a deck of prenatal yoga cards and it made me much more comfortable. During my 2nd pregnancy I did it FAR more often and found even more benefits (easier breathing, less leg cramps, better stress management). I like to practice at home, very early in the morning or around dusk, using books, flashcards and dvds. I generally spend an hour or more a day 6-7 days a week now for the last month and a half. I have noticed some positive differences in my physical and emotional well being.

- I have more energy

- I am more flexible

- I am much LESS achy after long runs

-I have a greater ability to focus

- I have had a panic disorder since I was 11 and I have less frequent anxiety attacks.

-more upper body strength

- my over all outlook is more positive.

For me Yoga is a wonderful, healthy part of my fitness routine. I don't remember where I read it or heard it but it has stuck with me "the difference between yoga and stretching is the mind set"

I guess you can have whatever mind set you want. I try to be clear and calm and the more I practice this the easier I find dealing with stressful everyday situations. It has also enhanced prayer for me.I used to have a wandering mind and now I can focus better and longer. It has definitely improved that part of my life.

Anyway I am thankful that I have yoga in my life and I am considering taking a weekly class.

[Lb128f]

Jul. 20, 2009 at 6:21 PM

Interesting...I think you should take a weekly class...the only thing I've ever heard about Yoga....are good things! Just as you say the benefits are very helpful. Good Luck!

[KTMOM]

Jul. 20, 2009 at 6:41 PM I have an awesome yoga teacher and do class 2-3 times a week when I can. I think it is wonderful and has so many benefits, like the ones you mentioned, and more. I can't imagine there being religious conflicts in taking time to listen and connect with your body and breath and participate in an ancient form of healing, but I guess maybe some people see it as wrong?? Anyway, I love it. My sister became a certified instructor through yogaworks but she lives all the way in Seattle so I can't exactly take any of her classes, which is a bummer, but we practice when we are together.
Namaste!!! :)

[Momma_Halo]

Jul. 20, 2009 at 10:34 PM

I love Yoga!

I too practice at home with videos since I am poor. I notice a lot of benefits when I do my yoga. I am also happier and I can breath better as well.

People do get weird over it because another culture came up with it BUT their is no religious influence. Although they say that the music they listen to has certain vibrations which is good for the body and healing. I have to look up that research again. All and all Yoga is perfect for any size, any religion, any race, and any culture.

[pinkpanthera]

Jul. 21, 2009 at 12:46 AM ooh I love Yoga! dont worry about what other say or think! All religions are from God,every race is made equal :)
Yoga is just superbly awesome :)

[mtnmama111]

Jul. 21, 2009 at 10:56 AM

Yoga is not religion... there CAN be a SPIRITUAL aspect to it- but there is no *religion*- believe me- I am NOT religious and wouldn't participate otherwise... people are so odd!!!

[aurorabunny]

Jul. 21, 2009 at 11:11 AM

I shouldn't even get started on the whole yoga/religious conflict issue.  To me it's just looneys who think anything that is unfamiliar to them is evil and scary.  I'll just stop there.

Great post though, I LOVE LOVE LOVE yoga.  I have a really screwed up neck, my chiro told me that if I didn't come see him 5 days per week that I would need surgery.  Well seeing him didn't help my neck but yoga does!

[KelleyP77]

Jul. 21, 2009 at 3:44 PM

Yoga is amazing. I just recently started practicing again (yes, I'm sore as hell). LOL I'm a Christian, and by contrast to what some Christians believe, I feel no conflict between yoga and my relationship to Christ whatsoever. In fact, it makes me feel as one with the universe and closer to God. If those who say it goes against Christianity would only look into what yoga truly is, they'd probably come to the same conclusion.

[KelleyP77]

Jul. 21, 2009 at 6:06 PM

Yoga is amazing. I just recently started practicing again (yes, I'm sore as hell). LOL I'm a Christian, and by contrast to what some Christians believe, I feel no conflict between yoga and my relationship to Christ whatsoever. In fact, it makes me feel as one with the universe and closer to God. If those who say it goes against Christianity would only look into what yoga truly is, they'd probably come to the same conclusion.

Right on! I totally agree!

(Original Poster)

[proud2Bmomma]

Jul. 21, 2009 at 11:22 PM

I have studied yoga, where the movements came from and what they mean.  Its something I choose not to do anymore.  I do see the religious aspect as being intrinsic in the movements themselves.  I completely appreciate the OP's attempt to present the way yoga has benefited her personally without belittling people like me who choose not to do it anymore.  Thank you.  And I'm glad its working for you.

[Momma_Halo]

Jul. 22, 2009 at 1:39 AM

A lot of us have researched it. But like religion we all take it differently. Your interpretation is different than ours.