What is Yoga?

The traditional definition of yoga is that “yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind.” Traditionally in Sanskrit yoga means to yoke, join, attach or bind. To me, it means bringing together body and mind. But, it is much more than that. Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years and began in India. And, yoga is for everyone. It is a combination of physical movement with breath. Yoga can be practiced by everyone, and yes, there are many different types of yoga for all types and ages of folks. Yoga can make you feel better both physically and psychologically, and can help with balance. I have been practicing yoga for over 25 years,
and believe me, it has changed and helped me along the way. Arthritis seems to affect many of us as we age, and yoga can improve flexibility and relieve discomfort. With yoga, we can bring ourselves to concentrate on here and now, and in practice, to learn to let it go, and dismiss distractions. As a L.I.L.Y volunteer, I teach a gentle chair yoga class at Red Bank apartments, located at 135 W. 106th St. between Columbus and Amsterdam on Thursdays at 1:30pm. No prior registration or fee is needed. Wear comfortable clothes. We practice sitting in chairs and proceed to standing. Here should be no pain, so come on down and hope to see you there.