...power Yoga, Hatha Yoga, basic Yoga, bikram Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga: No, it's not the little green dude from STAR WARS. And no, as some tend to be easily confused, it doesn't come in flavors. So what, in essence, is Yoga? I'm glad you're thinking along those lines... let's take a little journey to India.

Etymology of the Word Yoga

Derived from the ancient tongue of Sanskrit, yuj, the root of the modern and contemporary term of yoga, carries with it many different meanings. Yuj itself would be considered a verb in many Latin-based languages, meaning "to control," "to concentrate on" or "to yoke." It has been concluded that other meanings represent the action of a uniting or joining, as well as conceptual definitions of a "mode, manner or means."

History of Yoga

When considering the root of the word yoga, it is easier to grasp its original intention. Originating in India, Yoga is in actuality not just something, but some things. The ancient practices that are still utilized today are believed to offer great insight and spiritual enlightenment as to the very nature of existence, through a process of deep meditation. It has many ties to personal beliefs as well as popular world religions.

The dates of such a practice have been traced as far back as 3000 BC, where archaeologists have found multiple seals of the Indus valley Civilization depicting individuals and god-like beings in meditative postures. As early as 900 BC, ascetic practices were recorded in the Brahmanas, part of the Vedas.

As time passed, evidence of practices in the Hindu religion became more prominent. This was especially true, as this concept of what is now considered "yoga" continued to grow and change as is evidenced in the middle Upanishads c. 400BC. Further "defined" by the Bhagavad Gita (c. 200BC), which translates to "The Song of the Lord" and which offers the first glimpse of a "codified" yoga, the book included many meanings to the modern term, yet focused on on three: Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Jnana Yoga.

Different Types of Yoga

As the practice of yoga grew throughout India, it would become integral to...more

Yoga in Practice: Train Your Mind for Empowerment, Part 3

...m is non-attachment to the outcome of your plans.

This does not mean you should give up, but the best laid plans are subject to change, at any moment. We cannot control nature, or the universe, so we have to roll with the punches. Whether the outcome is good or bad, we have to adapt to this life the best we can, and we should be creative along the road of life.

Life is a journey, but we are not entirely in control of it. When we learn to accept what we cannot control - that is also Santosha. This state of acceptance is also a form of surrender to a higher authority; but to some people, this causes a feeling of helplessness...more

Yoga: Three Reasons You Should Not do Bhastrika Pranayama

...s per second, with inhalations and exhalations equally emphasized and equally active.

Beginners are advised to practice Bhastrika at a slow breath rate, using 2-second inhalation and 2-seconds exhalation; (15 breaths per minute) with no force on inhalation and exhalation. With regular practice of this pranayama the abdominal muscles will become stronger, so the speed can be increased to 30 breaths per minute, using 1-second inhalation and 1-second exhalation.

intermediate and advanced students may practice at medium breath rate (1-2 breaths per second) and at fast breath rate (3-4 breaths per second).

Note: Be aware of hyperventilating, and bu...more

Yoga: Three Reasons You Should Not Do Yoga Posture - Downward-Facing Dog

...Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

In its ideal form the Downward-Facing Dog assumes the shape of an upside-down V, resembling the shape of a dog when stretching after lying down, with only the hands and the feet touching the floor. It is one of the most essential postures in yoga practice, stretching and rejuvenating the entire body from the feet all the way up to the hips and down through the wrists and hands. Because the head is lower than the pelvis this pose is often classified as an inversion posture.

The Downward Facing Dog posture works as a preparation for standing poses and as a warm-up of the muscles at the beginning of most of the yog...more

Pilates Yoga Harborne