Fall 2009

Yoga: The Art of Joyful Being

By Kristie Dahlia Home, E-RYT 500, Yoga Instructor

Home The Changing Face of American Yoga
In the 1970s, yoga was popular as a form of stretching and relaxation. More recently, it has become popular as a fitness practice. Today, images of gorgeous people performing incredible feats of strength and flexibility have left some people feeling that yoga seems like a demanding, even intimidating, physical practice. It doesn’t have to be that way. In fact there are numerous benefits from a wide range of practices, from gentle to vigorous.

What is Yoga, Anyway?
Yoga is an ancient art that aims for a more joyful existence on every level. There is a physical component because a more comfortable body makes for a more comfortable mind. The asanas (physical postures) involve both the stretching–popular in the past–and the strengthening many people enjoy today. The poses can indeed be extravagant if one chooses, but they can also be accessible, gentle and pleasurable.

Start Where You Are, and Grow from There
For some, physical postures call for focus and dedication. For others, meditation may pose a challenge. Neither aspect of practice is a race or competition. Rather, it is a progression that benefits both mind and body. Over time, most people experience increased strength and flexibility in the muscles and an increased range of motion and comfort in the joints. Many find a decrease in pain or new ways to relate to pain that make it easier to bear. The body’s natural healing abilities can become more active, increasing overall health.

"I've enjoyed taking the yoga classes with Kristie. Her approach is nurturing, encouraging and gentle. I feel more relaxed, flexible, peaceful, and yet energized afterwards. My connection to my body and breath has improved, and I appreciate her spiritual influence." -Yoga Student

Yoga also includes pranayama (breathing practices), which help to create healthful breathing habits, calm the nervous system and increase energy levels. Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation) soothes, calms and rejuvenates. Meditation–which might take forms like walking, sitting or laughing–offers a chance to create new ways of relating to our thoughts and emotions.

The Health Benefits of a Gentle Practice
At the Osher Center, our yoga program specializes in gentle, healing-oriented classes. For instance, our Gentle Chair Yoga class can be done seated the whole time, or you might choose to stand or get onto the floor. We create an environment that adapts to your needs and welcome anyone who wishes to experience more health and happiness in body, mind and spirit. The movements begin in an easeful place, with suggestions offered for how to add intensity or ease as your comfort and interest call for. The relationship of the mind to the body and manner in which choices are made, are every bit as healing as the movements of the body itself!

Kristie specializes in individualizing practice to suit each person’s unique needs, bringing the joy of deeper well-being to people in all physical circumstances.