What is Yoga?
The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj” meaning to yoke, unite, or join together. As a contemplative practice, yoga joins body, mind, and spirit. Several thousand years ago the Indian sage Patanjali organized the system of yoga (which includes physical postures, meditation, and breathing practices, among other things) into what is known as “The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali”. The physical benefits of yoga are increased flexibility, increased muscle strength and tone, and improved respiration, sleep, energy and vitality. The mental benefits of yoga are many. Regular yoga practice enables mental clarity and calmness, improves body awareness, relieves chronic stress, relaxes the mind, focuses attention, and sharpens concentration.
