Yoga

Yoga means to “yoke”, unite, or bring together.  It is not a religion; it is an art form, a science, or a way of life.  It is personal and based on the understanding that the human spirit is limitless.  There are many types of yoga practiced in the United States with the most common being Raja Yoga.  In Raja Yoga the physical practice is highlighted with a nod to the other three types of Yoga.  Bhakti Yoga, or devotional practice, Jnana Yoga, or practice of self-study, and Karma Yoga, or selfless service such as volunteering. 

In the west we usually associate yoga with the physical practice and there are many styles to choose from.  There is Power, Ashtanga, or Vinyasa yoga, Iyengar, Anusara, Bikram, Kundalini, Jivamukti, and Hatha.  Hatha Yoga being the most common as it is an eclectic blend of many of these styles.

Of course there are so many other ways to practice your yoga off the mat.  It may be in service of others, volunteering, or study of the Yoga Sutras, meditation or even self study.

Whatever method of yoga you choose to practice remember to honor and embrace your practice. 

This is your time so enjoy.-Athena