Yoga teachers at the Shakti Yoga Centre in St. Andrew.
Sharon McConnell, Contributor
This article is written on behalf of the teachers at the Shakti Yoga Centre, in celebration of all whose lives have been positively transformed through the gift of yoga.
WHAT IS the gift of yoga? Maybe we should ask the over 18 million people worldwide who are doing it. Or perhaps ask the over 5,000 students who have taken a class, workshop or retreat at the Shakti Yoga Centre in Kingston (or at any of the five yoga centres in Jamaica) over the last four years. One can only know the benefits of yoga by practising it, not by reading a book, or listening to someone else's opinions. This ancient science, unlike most trends that come and go, has survived the test of time to become a healing practice totally relevant to today's lifestyle. It is important to stress that yoga is not a religion but a way of life, suitable for men, women and children regardless of age, colour or creed providing not only the tools needed to cope with the stresses of modern day life but the ability to unlock our potential for leading full and fruitful lives filled with more peace, greater health and the ability to give and receive love.
WHAT EXACTLY IS YOGA?
What exactly is yoga? Yoga is an ancient art and science, rooted in India, designed to bring health and well-being to body, mind and spirit through the practice of asana (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation and deep relaxation. The word 'yoga' actually means 'union' and refers to the union of body, mind and sprit. It is the very dislocation of these three elements that is the root cause of so many of the world's problems today. The practice of yoga helps to align the body with the mind and ultimately the spirit so that we may function in union, providing the feeling of 'wholeness' that we are all seeking. After practising yoga for a while, most people become more relaxed, less stressed and are able to focus and accomplish more. In the words of the great yogi, Eric Schiffmann: "it is in this relaxed state that you begin to love what you see in others, and others will love you for having been seen". This is the softened perception of the world that yoga promotes.
All of us today face unrelenting challenges of parenting, partnership and career. Trying to juggle all these, we sometimes lose our balance and in the process, lose our selves. When this happens, life seems overwhelming, our health and energy are affected and our ability to cope with our duties as well as the demands of those we love starts to fade. Unless we have some outlet from the pressure, we can only last so long before we find ourselves tired, sick, stressed and generally not pleasant to be around.
PHYSICAL LEVEL
On a physical level, yoga develops strength and flexibility. Postures vary from soothing and gentle to dynamic and transformational. Our bodies feel better as they become leaner, fitter and pain free. Yoga balances the immune and endocrine system, keeping us free from stress-related diseases as well as regulating hormones through out the stages of life. Yoga has gained tremendous attention lately as studies laud its physical and mental health benefits. Since stress can weaken the immune system, making it harder to battle cancer and other degenerative diseases, more doctors and hospitals are recommending the stress-lessening practice of yoga. A report from the National Institute of Health says some evidence suggests that yoga, when practised alongside conventional medical treatment, can help relieve symptoms associated with obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, diabetes and migraines. Other studies have shown that yoga helps relieve the pain of arthritis, and is more effective at treating carpal tunnel syndrome than putting a splint on your wrist. Other research has shown that yoga alters brain neurology to help reduce cravings, anxiety, and fear. This can help us create healthier behaviour in our lives in general. Yoga has also been proven to help to prevent and in some cases, helps to cure osteoporosis and stress-related diseases such as depression, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. It is also a wonderful way to ease the discomfort of PMS and the effects of menopause.
EMOTIONAL LEVEL
On an emotional level, those have practised yoga for a while, experience the ability of yoga to balance their emotional highs and lows and allow them to accept who they are, where they are, as they are. It is a refuge from the constant labels and judgements, comparisons and criticisms of the world, to a kinder, quieter place where we learn to see and feel our own inner landscape. We learn, even if for a few moments each day, to let go and let in our truer, more authentic selves. We learn to become a witness instead of a judge of our selves and of others. We all need to be loved. Yoga teaches us that we are already loved. We all need security. Yoga teaches us how to get grounded. We long to feel connected. Yoga is about union, a connection with the universe.
DEEPER CONNECTION TO GOD
It is this connection to the universe, a feeling of knowingness and belonging, on a spiritual level, that appeals to people of all faith. Most people who practise yoga feel a deeper connection to God in whatever form God takes in their lives. Yoga encourages us to explore the deepest facets of our femininity, our Yin nature of surrender and acceptance and softness as well as our more masculine or Yang need for control and wilful practice. It is with this balance of yin and yang that we discover an ease and health in the body so that the deeper practices of yoga, such as meditation can be explored. It is in this stage that that the true message of yoga unfolds.
This connection nourishes the soul and gives us a profound and notable inner strength. We are less rocked by the challenges that life brings and even able to see them as the blessings that they are. This is the gift of yoga. This is what is right about yoga. The message is yoga is for everyone. Yoga is a multifaceted, challenging and an ever-unfolding personal journey that can bring transformation into every area of your life.
Sharon McConnell is the founder of the Shakti Yoga Centre, Spa and Store. Shakti is located at 5 Bedford Park Ave., Kingston 10. Phone 906-8403. Email Sharon@shaktiyogajamaica.com or visit www.shaktiyogajamaica.com.
