The Joy of Yoga

Today I practiced a yin yoga class, and yesterday Ashtanga at my local gym. It's my New Years resolution to do at least 20 minutes of yoga every day. That means anything from Child's Pose to Legs up the wall to a full Vinyasa flow for 90 minutes. It gives me some flexibility. I'm grateful for that.

Yesterday, I noticed during the yoga class, I would visualize beautiful places that I have not thought about in years or ever seen as though I was in a dream. It brings a sense of inner joy and peace.

After leaving the class, my mind and body feel more relaxed, but my mood lifts too. Yoga opens the psyche up to new ideas and experiences in a very gentle way. It also releases a lot of stuff from the past which needs to be cleared out as a good meditation does. Friends of mine who do two 20-minute sessions of meditation each day talk about how it clearly improves their focus, presence, and ability to live life moment by moment. I admire their commitment to their practice and hope to be able to participate in that someday!

Anyways, the point of this article was to share how beneficial yoga is not only to improving our body, posture, and sense of clarity, but it sparks an inner sense of joy and happiness that is new and refreshing. Namaste.