What is Yoga?

An Ancient Journey for Modern Bodies

Yoga is everywhere these days! It's a popular way for people to unwind, stretch out, and maybe even show off a pretzel pose or two. But yoga's roots run deep, tracing back thousands of years to ancient India. Back then, yoga looked quite different. There were far fewer poses, and the focus leaned more towards meditation and spiritual connection. Imagine yogis thousands of years ago, perhaps even in the Indus Valley civilization around 3,500 years ago, sitting in meditative postures depicted on archaeological carvings. These postures, though not the same as the asanas (poses) we know today, laid the foundation for the practice's emphasis on inner peace and mindful movement.

The Pashupati seal, showing a seated and possibly tricephalic figure, surrounded by animals; circa 2350–2000 BCE- *source:**https://franpritchett.com/00routesdata/bce_500back/indusvalley/protoshiva/protoshiva.jpg*

Fast forward to today, and yoga has evolved alongside humanity. It's incorporated elements from gymnastics and martial arts to create a well-rounded practice that strengthens the body while calming the mind. The term "asana" originally meant "seat" and referred to the position yogis sat in for meditation. Over time, it came to encompass a wider range of postures designed to improve flexibility, strength, and focus.

The beauty of yoga is its adaptability. Just like fashion changes, so do the ways people practice yoga. Today's yoga offers a variety of styles, from gentle stretches in Yin yoga to the more vigorous flows of Vinyasa. No matter what your goals are, whether you're aiming to become a human pretzel or simply de-stress after a long day, there's a yoga practice for you.

Don't be intimidated by the seemingly perfect poses you see in magazines. As we've seen, yoga is a journey, not a destination. It's about finding peace within yourself and connecting your mind and body. The most important thing is to approach your practice with a positive intention. Focus on finding stillness and breath within each pose, and you'll be well on your way to reaping the benefits of yoga. So, why not unroll your mat and give it a try? You might be surprised at how much you enjoy this ancient practice for your modern life!