"I cry out for order and find it only in art."Helen Hayes
|
| |
The Benefit of Yoga
The benefit of yoga practice goes far beyond the actual time you spend in the poses. One of the most common reasons why people begin practicing yoga is to improve their health and well-being. Yoga means union. It is a union of the mind, body and breath, ...
Yoga in Practice: Excuses for Lack of Practice
At one time, or another, we all think, "Why am I here?" Sometimes we think, "Why do I even bother?" Thinking about giving up is a temptation for all of humankind, but we continue to pursue our goals just like our ancestors did. My wife, Marie, puts it ...
Yoke Hatha Yoga with the Raw Foods for Superb Health
Since writing my two books, Beautiful On Raw: UnCooked Creations and Your Right to Be Beautiful: How to Halt the Train of Aging and Meet the Most Beautiful You, about my exploration and acceptance of the raw food lifestyle, I have added another important ...
|
|
|
| |
There is an interesting article in the September 5th issue of Time magazine. This particular article covers a spectrum of opinions about mixing Christianity with Yoga. Even, if you don't agree with a single opinion, it's a good read, as long as you remain objective.
Over the course of time, I have been lucky enough to teach, or practice, with someone from every known religious denomination; so the statement by a Professor Tiwari at the Hindu University of America, where he states that, "Yoga is Hinduism," is surprising, coming from a scholar. Possibly, this statement was taken out of context, but fundamentalism exists, to a degree, in every form of religion.
If some Christians want to practice Yoga to make a closer connection to God, who are any of us to criticize it? Isn't one of Yoga's purposes, the union of self with a Supreme Being? So what is the big deal?
Truthfully, many fundamentalists are all about division - keeping the masses divided, at war with each other, and preferably, in a "holy war." They fear the unity of mankind, letting go of power, and world peace. They don't want to loosen their grip on their followers, so they squeeze a little more.
So if a Christian group wants to practice "Son Salutations", or "PraiseMoves," give them a break. Yoga is practiced in sectarian atmospheres by a variety of different religions. Nobody has a monopoly on Yoga. Yoga is a complete health maintenance system for mind, body, and spirit.
There is a type of Yoga for everyone, and some people want a little more spiritual flavor than others. Since Yoga has been around for at least 5,000 years, there is a very big variety to choose from.
As for skeptics who "point the finger" at each other - "He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone..." It might be best if we all practice a little more mindfulness, and loving kindness, before we decide to criticize things we don't understand.
Yoga is "out of the bag." It is no longer practiced by a particular group. Therefore, Yoga is a public treasure, and not a genie that we will confine to a bottle. No matter how many people try to patent, or copyright, Yoga, it will be practiced within every corner of the earth.
So, please read the article in Time magazine and enjoy it, but take the time to remain objective. Recognize motives and words for their hidden agenda. Most of all, remain in good relations with your fellow man.
About the Author
Paul Jerard, is a co-owner/director of Yoga teacher training at Aura Wellness Center. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Unique Dahn Yoga Workshop for Inspired Young PeopleSeattle Post IntelligencerDahn Yoga & Health Centers, Inc. is thrilled to announce that its recent Young Earth Human Alliance ("YEHA" ) Camp was an incredible success. The event welcomed a number of notable young people to get in shape and find ways to truly understand their ...and more » |
|
Best medicine: Yoga sessions let Amherst seniors laugh (with video)The Morning JournalBy ASHLEY SZATALA AMHERST — At first glance, the Amherst Steele High School's gentle chair exercise laughter yoga session sounds like a group of Santa Clauses is in the room. It is the last session, and the senior citizen participants are bending, ... |
|
Yoga - another exercise for diabeticsLaSalle News TribuneIllinois Valley YMCA yoga instructor Wendy Kenny shuts off the lights for her classroom, lights a few candles and hits Play on the stereo. The sound of someone softly playing a wooden flute fills the room as students begin the first of many complex ... |
|
Health Beat: Free yoga classes on waterfrontThe Daily News of NewburyportHoulihan, who owns Roots to Wings Yoga and Healing, will lead classes with a healing focus. The sessions will address posture and breathing for strength, flexibility, balance and concentration. Bring a mat or a towel. A basket will be set out to ... |
|
