It seems these days that everyone is talking about yoga. Movie stars and
professional athletes are singing its praises. Doctors are recommending it
to their patients. Large corporations are offering lunchtime yoga classes
for their employees. Why has yoga suddenly gotten so popular, and what exactly
is it?
Let's start with what it is not. Yoga is not a religion or cult or recent fad. It is, in fact, a more than 5,000 year old system of practical techniques to help integrate the body, mind and spirit, and promote health, well-being and peace of mind. (The word yoga means "union".) It evolved from many different ancient cultures, including India, the Far East, and Africa (primarily the Nubian culture). The fact that yoga has become so popular in the last decade is a testimony to the deep need for healing, renewal, and a sense of meaning in today's frantic, often chaotic world.
Yoga is a system of practices that draws on many ancient and modern traditions. It is constantly evolving and making use of recent scientific discoveries, such as the biochemical effects produced by deep relaxation and meditation, and the cardiovascular benefits of physical exercise and deep breathing techniques. Yoga can be used to help reduce the stresses of our fast-paced lifestyle in many ways. For instance, it has been shown to be extremely helpful in managing stress-related illnesses, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.
Yoga uses a combination of physical stretching and toning exercises (called postures or "asanas") with deep breathing and relaxation techniques. It also introduces various forms of meditation as a way of calming the mind, easing stress, and guiding us toward that place of peace that lies deep within each of us. Yoga can be practiced by anyone, no matter what your physical condition, age or background. It is a profoundly healing practice whose ultimate goal is to help us realize the full potential of who we are, and to bring us home to our own radiant true nature.