Benefits of Yoga, by Michelle Chua

The benefits of practicing yoga vary with the practitioner, depending on factors such as how consistently they practice, what aspects of yoga they integrate into their daily lives and the integrity of their practice.  But as a yoga student since 2001, a registered yoga teacher since 2010 and someone who has observed the journey of my diverse long-term clients and students, here are some benefits of practicing...

Yoga postures (or asanas) -- Train your ability to be present in your body.  Release stagnancy and enable energy flow throughout your body.  Detoxify from mental stress manifested as physical tension. Increase your physical strength, stamina and flexibility. 

Yoga Breath Work (or pranayama) -- Regulate and rebalance your nervous system.  Skillfully direct the flow of life energy (or prana) throughout your body. Calm your mind from habitual negative thoughts.  Optimize your respiration and digestion. Give your nervous system rest and redirect more energy to boosting your immune system.

Yoga Philosophy -- See life outside the lens of the fear-based ego.  Understand the tendencies of the human mind.  Apply the physical and mental strategies of yoga into your daily life and conflicts.  Identify and let go of self-sabotaging patterns and develop clear perception.  Cultivate an open mind and open heart to deconstruct notions of separation between you and "others."

Meditation (or dhyana and dharana) -- Daily mental hygiene. Become more aware of the role your thoughts and emotions play in your life. Recognize unmetabolized emotions that cause you to react, rather than consciously respond, to daily events.  Liberate yourself from habits that no longer serve your highest well being and true connection to the world.  Have space to listen to your inner guidance with your whole being.

These are only a few of the ways I've read about, personally experienced and witnessed our community members benefit from these practices of yoga that we share in our Zoom yoga classes, 6 days weekly. A beautiful part of the practice is that it's self-paced, You are your teacher (I'm like a tour guide) and you're encouraged to participate in the ways that you're able to in the moment.  If you'd like to join us for a class, visit our schedule here or consider joining our monthly varying community events here.

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