Dan's Yoga Philosophy
YOGA
is making its way into mainstream Americans lives.
Starting out in India 4-6,000 years ago as a training system for their warriors, yoga has evolved into an all around fitness regime incorporating flexibility, strength building, balance and relaxation.
As Americans realize that the more they chase comfort (driving vs walking, TV vs activity, spectating vs participating, constant entertainment vs quiet meditation) the more uncomfortable they become.
Ask anyone over fifty what they value most or effects their lives the most? How their body feels is a common response.
It’s hard to be upbeat, positive and enjoy life if body aches and pains are dragging you down.
Yoga takes you on a personal journey into your body and your mind. As you challenge and explore your physical boundaries you also relax your mind and learn to focus on the moment, letting go of the hundreds of details trying to get your attention. For an hour you focus on your breathing, focus on your individual muscle groups loosening, expanding, building, realizing you have muscles and abilities you forgot you had. For an hour your world shrinks to you and your mat. It’s refreshing, introspective and is regulated by your individual abilities and desires. You control the intensity by honoring and listening to your body, challenging yourself when appropriate and softening when you feel the need. There are no machines, no props, no weights, just your body and mind, some gentle background music and the voice and body of an instructor to gently lead you through series of yoga poses.
As mentioned earlier, Yoga is a lifelong adventure (journey). When and where you start, age wise and physical state is not as important as what direction you are heading. Ask yourself – Do I want to age slowly, gracefully and gently? If so am I willing to invest some time to accomplish this?
Personally I was on the downward spiral of middle age deterioration. I was fairly active (a contractor) and involved in recreational sports and activities but I could feel my body stiffening. Aches and pains creeping in, lower back pain, ankles and joints letting their presence known. A few extra pounds every year were adding up.
Then I took a Community Ed yoga class with my wife. Well, it only took 3 or 4 classes for me to realize this is what I needed. My back was feeling better, I felt a pleasant soreness the morning after yoga telling me I was working and stretching muscles all over my body. After 6 months I was addicted. I started taking 2 classes a week, reading yoga books and enjoying feeling good.
I know that physical ailments are rampant in the construction industry. Repetitive physical labor takes its toll as much as an inactive office lifestyle does. So I wanted to spread the word. To help people feel better as I did. And I think yoga is the vehicle to do this. Yoga is not a religion; it’s a personal journey to explore your body and mind. It also builds up your body, unlike most sports which over the years deteriorate the body. Volleyball is hard on shoulders and ankles, running can be hard on hips, knees and feet. Unless you are the ultimate cross trainer you usually neglect some part of your body and overuse certain parts like your dominant arm i.e. tennis, baseball, etc. Yoga tries to incorporate your entire body equally, gently progressing as you gain experience and expertise.
So if I can impact some people positively by offering classes in Yoga I will be thankful for the honor and opportunity.
Starting out in India 4-6,000 years ago as a training system for their warriors, yoga has evolved into an all around fitness regime incorporating flexibility, strength building, balance and relaxation.
As Americans realize that the more they chase comfort (driving vs walking, TV vs activity, spectating vs participating, constant entertainment vs quiet meditation) the more uncomfortable they become.
Ask anyone over fifty what they value most or effects their lives the most? How their body feels is a common response.
It’s hard to be upbeat, positive and enjoy life if body aches and pains are dragging you down.
Yoga takes you on a personal journey into your body and your mind. As you challenge and explore your physical boundaries you also relax your mind and learn to focus on the moment, letting go of the hundreds of details trying to get your attention. For an hour you focus on your breathing, focus on your individual muscle groups loosening, expanding, building, realizing you have muscles and abilities you forgot you had. For an hour your world shrinks to you and your mat. It’s refreshing, introspective and is regulated by your individual abilities and desires. You control the intensity by honoring and listening to your body, challenging yourself when appropriate and softening when you feel the need. There are no machines, no props, no weights, just your body and mind, some gentle background music and the voice and body of an instructor to gently lead you through series of yoga poses.
As mentioned earlier, Yoga is a lifelong adventure (journey). When and where you start, age wise and physical state is not as important as what direction you are heading. Ask yourself – Do I want to age slowly, gracefully and gently? If so am I willing to invest some time to accomplish this?
Personally I was on the downward spiral of middle age deterioration. I was fairly active (a contractor) and involved in recreational sports and activities but I could feel my body stiffening. Aches and pains creeping in, lower back pain, ankles and joints letting their presence known. A few extra pounds every year were adding up.
Then I took a Community Ed yoga class with my wife. Well, it only took 3 or 4 classes for me to realize this is what I needed. My back was feeling better, I felt a pleasant soreness the morning after yoga telling me I was working and stretching muscles all over my body. After 6 months I was addicted. I started taking 2 classes a week, reading yoga books and enjoying feeling good.
I know that physical ailments are rampant in the construction industry. Repetitive physical labor takes its toll as much as an inactive office lifestyle does. So I wanted to spread the word. To help people feel better as I did. And I think yoga is the vehicle to do this. Yoga is not a religion; it’s a personal journey to explore your body and mind. It also builds up your body, unlike most sports which over the years deteriorate the body. Volleyball is hard on shoulders and ankles, running can be hard on hips, knees and feet. Unless you are the ultimate cross trainer you usually neglect some part of your body and overuse certain parts like your dominant arm i.e. tennis, baseball, etc. Yoga tries to incorporate your entire body equally, gently progressing as you gain experience and expertise.
So if I can impact some people positively by offering classes in Yoga I will be thankful for the honor and opportunity.