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There Is No Perfect Yoga Body—Yoga Is Perfect For Every Body

We have all read, heard, seen and felt the multitude of benefits resulting from physical activity. Whether you already have a gym membership, or walk, surf and play sports to get your fix, the intention of this simple note is to help shape things into a different perspective for those of you who might have already proclaimed, “Yoga is not for me.”

Unlike any other sport, yoga is a field where everyone is a winner—going in and coming out. Because winning is not about getting a medal for bending into a pretzel, or who does the best asana [pose], but about learning to do the best asana for your body in each moment. Every day we wake, we receive a new body.

You also might have already heard that our breathing affects the mind, our thoughts affect the immune system, what we eat affects our mood, and physical activity affects emotions, and so on and so forth. But did you know that yoga also holds a reputation for helping bring mood, energy, and metabolism into a more satisfactory balance? Understand though, that balance is not a fixed place at which you arrive, but a constant adjustment process to the circumstances of each moment.

The ability to expand one’s attention to all areas of the body while simultaneously directing focus to specific parts improves powers of mind. Developing mental awareness, mental clarity, and insight are not only at the heart of yoga, but cultivating this inner focus will make our physical practices far more interesting, engaging, and effective. Yogis practice to learn and grow, not to win and defeat. Yoga is the art of balancing attaining with attuning.

“Yoga is not a goal. It is a lifelong process of living and learning

that nurtures our being and that enriches the quality of our days.”

Yoga does not take time—it gives time. If you ever question your progress in terms of improving strength, flexibility or endurance, start thinking of it from the long view perspective—maintenance. Most people would be delighted if they could be in the physical condition they are in today twenty years from now. It’s important to recognize that asanas are only tools, and their purpose is to serve our body, mind and spirit. We need to practice so that, looking back years from now, we’ll be content with ourselves.

Advancing our practice implies refining our ability to see and listen to our body on deeper and subtler levels. Refining this internal perception is more important than merely attaining more exotic postures. Next time you set foot on a mat, keep in mind that your practice is for you—for your growth, development and well-being. Even staying in the same place is a great attainment! And for those of you who don’t consider yoga a workout, I mean that literally and figuratively speaking J

I encourage you to stay open-minded—forever endeavor™.  Enjoy each moment to its fullest, and move from an inner place of being, rather than from an outer place of doing.

If you would like to…

1. Stimulate and strengthen your skeletal system by the weight bearing affects of yoga practice
2. Equalize muscular tensions by maintaining the symmetry and alignment of your body
3. Pump and work your circulatory system for detoxification and relief of tension
4. Bring flexibility to, give fine control over, and increase the capacity of your respiratory system
5. Increase nerve flow to the digestive organs through imagery, intention, and sensate awareness

I invite you to take the oath and come and share your practice with me for an hour of invigorating rejuvenation at my favorite zen little hub, the Prana Yoga Center in La Jolla. I will be teaching a reduced-fee community class ($5) and you are welcome to bring a friend!

THE OATH

Who: You will

What: honor thy self and reconnect with the mind, body and soul

When: on Tuesday, December 8, 2009, at 8 p.m.

Where: at the Prana Yoga Center in La Jolla (1041 Silverado Street, La Jolla, CA 92037)

How: by coming to practice yoga with none other than Diasana

X  diana.zelhofer@gmail.com

State your intention and shoot me an e-mail to confirm your spot today

(space is limited to 40 people max)

WHAT TO BRING
A smile, towel, water bottle and $5 (cash only, exact change preferred)

WHAT TO EXPECT
Safe & fun environment filled with yoga props (bolsters, blocks, mats, belts) to support your practice.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Namaste,
Diana