YOGA

Yoga, an ancient but perfect science, deals with the evolution of humanity.  This evolution includes all aspects of one's being, from bodily health to self-realization.  Yoga means union - the union of body with consciousness and consciousness with the soul.  Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one's actions.  ~B.K.S. Iyengar, Astadala Yogamala

HOW IT HELPS YOU

  • The autonomic nervous system is divided into the sympathetic system, which is often identified with the fight-or-flight response, and the parasympathetic, which is identified with what's been called the relaxation response.  When you do yoga - the deep breathing, the stretching, the movements that release muscle tension, the relaxed focus on being present in your body - you initiate a process that turns the fight-or-flight system off and the relaxation response on.  That has a dramatic effect on the body.  The heartbeat slows, respiration decreases, blood pressure decreases.  The body seizes this chance to turn on the healing mechanisms.  ~Richard Faulds
  • Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured.  ~B.K.S. Iyengar
  • Warrior pose battles inner weakness and wins focus.  You see that there is no war within you.  You're on your own side, and you are your own strength.  ~The Quote Garden
  • Yoga is invigoration in relaxation.  Freedom in routine.  Confidence through self control.  Energy within and energy without.  ~Ymber Delecto
  • Yoga is the fountain of youth.  You're only as young as your spine is flexible.  ~Bob Harper
  • Yoga is the practice of quieting the mind.  ~Patanjali, translated from Sanskrit
  • For those wounded by civilization, yoga is the most healing salve.  ~T. Guillemets

TIPS

Anyone who practices can obtain success in yoga but not one who is lazy.  Constant practice alone is the secret of success.  ~Svatmarama, Hatha Yoga Pradipika