Basic Pursuits

Savasana

Originally uploaded by Fernando Papagaio

Yoga is used in countless ways to achieve countless objectives. Some people just like the exercise. Some pursue a richer mind-body experience. Others find it calming.

It's obvious that one style can't achieve every objective. Here's what I try to accomplish in my practice and in my teaching.


Exercise
Yoga is a unique way to exercise the body. Not only does it focus on strengthening the body, but also on stretching. The combination squeezes and massages tissues so that fluids  don't pool and stagnate in dormant areas of the body. Yoga also gives your lymph system a boost by pumping lymph fluids through movement and stretching. Movement and stretching is the only way lymph circulates and yoga does a superb job of getting it moving.

Yoga exercise strengthen postural muscles. These are the muscles that we use most often in the simple acts of sitting and standing. Yet most exercise programs neglect postural muscles.

Yoga also promotes flexibility. This is good for everyone and especially those of us who are aging. Without flexibility, our bodies tend to stiffen with age, limiting us each passing year. Yoga retards that process.

Engagement
Doing yoga requires attention. Although the poses are simple, they produce a host of sensations that keep our minds focused. I find that music enhances focus and helps keep us present.

Being present is a powerful skill to develop. We tend to perform all tasks at a higher level if we are present and get greater satisfaction from the effort. And most of our unhappiness comes from thinking about the past and the future . Having the ability to bring the mind to the present is a powerful tool in promoting greater peace of mind.

Relaxation
Yoga is ultimately about relaxing the mind, stilling the mob of thoughts that run through every day. A way to a relaxed mind is a relaxed body. When the body settles down, so does the mind. That's why each yoga practice ends with a savasana, a period of complete letting go. Then the mind is prepared for meditation, which is a more refined form of engagement.