"WALKING THE PATH OF YOGA"

By Lisa "Luscious" Tai

Guest Writer
-January 2005-

"WALKING THE PATH OF YOGA"

When people think of yoga, they have a tendency to picture old men, contorted in positions similar to a pretzel! Although this is an inaccurate image of what yoga actually entails, it is usually the reason why people who have no knowledge of yoga are ignorant of what it actually is.

Yoga is an ancient healing system, which is thousands of years old. Although it has been made popular in the Western world as the next great fitness fad, yoga is not limited to the physical realm. In fact, yoga is intended to be practised as a path to spiritual enlightenment, incorporating the body and mind along the way. The way people usually introduce themselves to yoga is through physical activity, which is a good start. Yoga can have great benefits - including increased flexibility, muscle tone and physical awareness. It can also help with mental concentration and stress relief.

First, it is important to understand that there is no main certification body for yoga instructors. Just as teachers can attend a wide variety of schools, so yoga practitioners can teach at a vast array of studios. I suggest asking people you know to recommend a studio or yoga instructor. There are often specific reasons why somebody may like or dislike an instructor; it is always helpful to hear this kind of feedback, before attending a particular class. Of course, only actual participation will determine your feelings about the class. If you live in the Toronto area, some studios that offer beginner yoga classes are The Yoga Studio (www.yogastudio.net) and Yoga Sanctuary (www.theyogasanctuary.net) - with locations uptown, downtown, and in the east end.

There are some general pointers to make your first yoga class as enjoyable impossible. Wherever you go, remember yoga etiquette! Arrive 10-15 minutes early for a class; don’t enter a class late, unless your instructor has given you the go-ahead. If you are going to leave a class early, try to tell the instructor beforehand. If you can’t, just relax for at least 5 minutes before you depart, and exit quietly. Do not eat 1-2 hours before your session. Wear loose and/or comfortable clothing, and bring a bottle of water to consume before and after class.

If you are interested in finding out more information about yoga - or private, semi-private or group yoga classes, contact Lisa Tai at ascensionarts@yahoo.ca. And, stay tuned to 8Rooks.Com for more articles in the "WALKING THE PATH OF YOGA" series!

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