Week #13

     Yoga being a religion is very questionable. Personally, I do not believe that yoga is religion. I feel that religions may practice yoga. However, yoga itself is not a religion. I feel that yoga is in religions, but religion is not necessary in yoga. Many people who are not religious practice yoga. Religion is a very sensitive topic. I don't know whats worse, religion or politics! Yoga is a practice that bring people together, regardless what type of religion one practices. Yoga is used in many religions. Therefore, yoga can be useful in these religions. But these two topics do not need to interfere with each other. 

Week #12

     Yoga has a lot to do with breathing techniques in poses. There are some classes where if you do not have your breathing down you will be asked to leave. It is not because of "failure." It is to learn how to and gain rhythm. It takes practice to do so. Throughout my semester of daily yoga, I have began to learn how to keep intact my breathing with my poses. This can help make yoga a success for you. It will help with anxiety, depression, and even the physical being for fatigue.
     It was a hard concept to start with. Pranayama is a very slow moving type of yoga practice. It consists of a lot of slow motion exercises and stretching. I usually look for more of a challenging work out. Little did I know, from practicing pranayama, I began to learn how to control my energy. I did not need the high-strung work out. I needed to learn how to control my energy. It took a lot of practice, and I am still working at it. However, I feel closer to my goals each day!

Week #11

         Is yoga a practice of meditation? That is a good question. It is a question that I am often back and forth with. I think it depends on what type of yoga class you are taking. Some, I believe are definitely more active and physical. Others, I do believe are more meditation related and spiritual. When in a yoga session, you are often focusing your mind. My yoga teachers often repeat to focus your mind, concentrate on something. Also, you are constantly practicing your breathing in yoga. I think this has a lot to do with meditation. Also, at the end of each yoga session, the teacher asks to stay still and reflect. This is a great example of meditating.
       However, I also believe that yoga is a form of physical practice. A lot of the sequences are body twisting and physical. However, still at the end of each physical yoga practice, you end it with a relaxed mind and body. I believe that yoga and meditation go hand in hand. I believe that they do have a symbiotic relationship. 

Week #10

      This week I was able to fit my yoga session in early. I have a big week of tests and papers due, so I figured I would start it off relaxed and refreshed. It is interesting to go into the yoga class and see familiar faces now. Since the weather is getting colder out, I took a hot yoga class. It is nice to be able to show up to the class and not feel like such a rookie.
    Since it is getting closer to winter, I feel that many of my neighbors are "snow birds." Many fly South for the winter. Therefore, the yoga classes seem a lot smaller. I kind of like that better. It gives you a more "one-on-one" feeling, without it actually being a solo session. I am excited to get another session in as soon as my crazy school and work week is over!

Week #9

     This was a good weekly session in my yoga class. I had a long week with tests and projects. It was great to be able to unwind and enjoy myself at yoga. Since moving to a new area, I have been exploring and trying new places. Since the culture we live in today is predominantly favoring yoga, I have had so many different options! I have tried a hot yoga class that is in the neighborhood I live in. Since it started getting colder out, I really enjoyed the hot yoga. It helped warm me right up!
    I look forward to keep on trying different studios and classes. I look forward to my yoga sessions each week. It is nice to be able to try all different types of yoga classes.

Week #8

      Yoga has definitely became a sensation in pop culture. Recently, it has a played a big role in today's society. First, it began traditionally, and soon became an acceptance trend. It is recognized every where. If you are in a store you can find all different wardrobe essentials for yoga. Also, a lot of little sayings are promoted, like on cups, mugs, t-shirts, etc. This is a big aspect of reeling people in for yoga. Seeing it all around in businesses, makes people think it is a essential to do yoga even more. 
      Being fit is a huge need and want in today's society. Fitness is a way of life for many people today. I think that is great. It is nice to have people looking forward to working out and what not. Some may do it for an image, however it creates a healthy self. Yoga is a great source of this. A lot of people who are not necessarily into running or lifting weights at the gym, resort to yoga. I think it is a great alternative to doing cardio or weight lifting.
    People also began to resort to yoga instead of going to the doctors or a physician. As we learned about in class on Thursday, people who have been addicted to some substance, often look to yoga to help heal them. Also, people who are having any kind of hurting like a bad back or knees, resort to yoga to help heal them. I often notice some older ladies in my yoga class. The way that they can still hold positions is remarkable. I hope to continue my yoga sessions, so I can obtain a healthier life style. 

Week #6

       I talked about this theme in a previous post; the healing of yoga. I, personally,  feel some type of way about the healing of yoga because of the medical issues that I have. I have been practicing every morning the sequences that Annie has taught us. I have been noticing not only a difference in my digestion, but my stress levels have definitely decreased. I feel more at ease when handling situations, that I would normally overreact to. I have been practicing these rituals in my weekly yoga classes. I try to alternate between a physical and spiritual yoga session each week. 
      We have talked about things like this in class. I overhead you say that you have not been to the doctors in years! I am not sure if I believe in "yoga as medicine" as a whole. I think there is a reason that the human population has evolved to live a longer life, and that reason is doctors and the medical practice. However, I think yoga definitely helps! I feel great after yoga. Whether my mind is at ease or my muscles feel warm and stretched. I believe that yoga is really beginning to help me as a whole.