Yoga as Physical Culture

Yesterday morning I took the 9am yoga flow class with Annie. I was looking forward to another class with Annie because I took to her so much in her last weeks class. I got to the studio and realized it was a class of one; just me. Although this was intimidating at first, I saw it as another way to deepen my practice. I was able to communicate with Annie about what kind of practice I was looking for. She led me in a yin yoga class where I embraced every pose and got to really stretch out my hips and other areas of the body to get to the tissues. At the end of my practice I felt like a rubber band!

Yoga is more than an exercise, it is a lifestyle. It has amazing health benefits and you really do see a difference in your body after practicing for an extended period of time. However, it also gives you a new mindset and outlook on your day essentially your life. As Annie said, "backbends release endorphins that make you happy". This exercise literally makes you happy. Every move has an impact on your body and on your mental and physical health. Combined with breathing it gives you a chance to reflect, be in the moment, and let go of anything that once stressed your mind. At the end of every class, my teacher has asked that I set an intention for my day and aim to carry out that intention and go through my day with purpose. This is empowering; the idea of determining how your day will go regardless of obstacles. This is something other exercising like running or zumba just cannot do for me.