Heal Through Yoga

Eight Limbs

Ashta Anga refers to the eight limbs of Yoga. According to the ancient texts, “The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali,” and “The Hatha Yoga Pradipika,” all eight must be practiced in order for Yoga to occur. Yoga is both the means and the end. It is the combination of the practices of right action, speech and thought. What is right is defined by the eight limbs. When we follow the guidelines provided by the ancient Yogis we are more likely to be upon the right path.

The Right Practice for You

Every body is different and each one of us is unique. Just because all of your friends are taking “Hot Yoga” or “Vinyasa,” style classes that does not mean it is the right practice for you. In fact, it is rare that a hot or active practice is the best place for any of us to begin. The additional stress placed upon your body due to warm temperatures and new, challenging movements can actually hurt you. As with anything new, your first Yoga practice should be slow and well directed. You should be given the opportunity to attempt simple movements, ask questions and provide feedback to your teacher about how you are feeling throughout the session.

Living in Pain

I began practicing Yoga because all of my friends were enrolled in the class and  it fulfilled a course requirement.   I continued practicing because it initially reduced and then eliminated my debilitating back pain.

My pain had begun in high school as a result of scoliosis and  growth spurts  while competitively running in track and cross country.  I continued to run while in college and  continued to damage my back further.   Adding insult to injury; my role as a teacher for children with autism required that I  lean forward to reach desks and be at eye level with my students.  There were days during which, due to the pain, I couldn't stand up straight, sit comfortably or sleep.

Yoga for Healing

Yoga Asana as well as the calming effects of breathing consciously and mindfulness practices  helped me to heal.  The movement was the perfect prescription for  my back.  The breathing helped me to remain calm when managing stressful situations and aggressive students.  The mindfulness practices helped me learn to slow down and focus  so that I could pause before putting my body into an unsafe position or activity.

As I continued to  practice I learned the differences between the various modern styles and began to explore the various practices.  When I met my teacher, in New York, I was granted access to the lineage of Rajahatha Yoga and began to develop my own practices in a way that best works for my life.

Continuing the Healing

Although I enjoy attending group classes at Yoga studios, my personal practice is what keeps me healthy.  I spend less time moving actively and more time slowing down.  The more slowly I move, the more awareness I have, and the better I am at addressing whatever issues; physical, emotional, energetic or mindful, that I am dealing with.

If you are ready to begin healing and to feel better through Yoga you might consider seeking out a teacher who has experience in more than just teaching classes.   That which you experience physically could be a  manifestation of something deeper and vice versa.   Seek someone who can offer more than just poses.  Find a Guru: a guide who sheds light where it is currently darkness.