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Yoga means union. The power of yoga is like listening to the silent roar of the sea. In its silence lay peace & tranquility, soothing to the deepest level of your being. Its roar can pull open your heart and mind to the possibilities of life and living.

Over 2000 years ago an ancient sage named Patanjali described the process of Yogic movement towards higher consciousness and peace in his treatise "The Yoga Sutras." His teachings are a living, practical model that, once understood, can be applied to all aspects of life-today. They serve to deepen the awareness of our relationship to ourselves, to others, and to our environment. With the popularization of yoga in recent years here is some background information about yoga, and how you can best utilize yoga in your life to help you decrease stress and enhance your lifestyle, your physical health and your mental well being.

Yoga Chikista. What is it? How to adapt your yoga practice to accommodate injuries or physical limitations. Click here for article.

Yoga Chitta. The state of mind you bring to yoga. Click here for article.

Hatha Yoga. The definition of Hatha Yoga is: yoga in which the aim is to unify the two energies of Ha (the left) and tha (the right), and merge them into susumna in the center of the spine; it is the merging of these energies that is the essence of Hatha Yoga.

Asana means posture. Asana was originally used to prepare people for sitting in meditation. It is believed in India that you can not attain total enlightenment (Samadhi) unless you also attain physical perfection. So, along with the spiritual devotional aspects of yoga came Asana, to help burn off the physical energy and prepare the body-mind for Samadhi (total mental-physical and spiritual harmony or total enlightment).
There are several levels of Asana classes which range from low intensity to high intensity--energizing to totally relaxing. For the sake of simplicity, I will refer to them as either Active forms (moderate to high intensity) or Restorative forms (low to moderate intensity). There are many variations and types of HathaYoga however, I will identify several of the most popular forms of yoga practiced today. Remember that all Asana classes are designed to enhance mind-body consciousness, (I guess you could say yoga is exercise with consciousness or awareness) to increase strength, flexibility and agility (physical perfection-right?). But, with respect to the physicality--Here are some guidelines which might be helpful in identifying which type of yoga is appropriate for your needs.

Utilize the principles of F.I.T.T.
Example: For Beginners
Frequency 1 to 3 times per week
Intensity --Low to Moderate
Type--Yoga
Time--60 to 90 minutes.

Recommendations:

• If you are inactive begin with a basic yoga class which focuses on breathing techniques and can help you establish or deepen your mind-body connection. Learn the basics.
• If you are inactive and are drawn to Power Yoga. Start slow. Perhaps begin with with a simpler form or take only half the class until you get stronger.
• If you are very active but a beginner at yoga--any form is good to start however, the more acitve forms might have a greater appeal. Remember take your time, there is plenty of time to learn and develop your skills and understanding of your practice- -protect your self from injury--pace your self.
• If you are injured or recovering from an injury begin with a restorative form to learn the basics.
• If you are one of the terminally inflexible or looking to lose weight--begin with the Hot Yoga--its a great way to gain strength-stretch and endurance and also lose weight.
• If you are looking for total relaxation a type of yoga which includes emphasis on breathing techniques for stress reduction and the use of slow relaxing postures is best.