Art of Britt

On a deeper level, yoga is a sacred practice that unites the soul to spirit as one. The fundamental definition behind yoga is "to yoke" or create union. As we are able to strengthen the power of our mind with yoga, we strengthen our ability to take on life. Not only does yoga offers physical postures, breathing techniques, and relaxing techniques, but it also offers us tools to control our internal stress response. We than learn resilience. Over time, with the practice of yoga comes mind-body awareness. As we practice mindfulness, we observe thought process with out attachment or judgment. Eventually the spiritual aspect is experienced with deep meditation. The benefits of movement, breath, mindfulness, and relaxation have incredible effects to the body. Our minds are constantly working through the day. When we take time for yoga, we are able to release our selves from any overwhelming thoughts. Yoga creates space. (Space in the mind, space in the body). When there is space, our "prana" (life-force) will flow freely through the body. This practice helps people cope with stress and emotions. Breath is essential to how we react to stress. When we take fewer breaths, but deeper breaths, we reduce blood pressure. By modifying breathing, we allow ourselves to come back to homeostasis. Breathing plus the effort of our thoughts during a yoga practice both enhance the parasympathetic system. When we are handed stressful situations in our daily life, we can use the tools that we use in yoga, such as focussing on our breath and choosing to reflect rather than react. Yoga allows us to come back to our center. In recent years, we have seen yoga has the capacity to change our neurology, nervous system, and change our physiology, showing us that anything inside of us is able to transform. Meditative practices change brain activity on a molecular level. Over time, the brain structure changes through neuro-plasticity. Everything is finally being proven scientifically. If we can use yoga to heal ourselves, we can come together as a whole to have a greater influence on the planet. When we engage in yoga, we are engaged in a practice of evolving and transforming to make the world a better place.