When you think of Yoga, what is the picture you see within your "mind's eye?" Many people still think of Hatha Yoga, and its many sub-styles, as the only Yoga around. This is due to the fact that outside India, Hatha Yoga (Union by Physical Mastery), is most commonly seen.
Therefore, this is understandable - except there are many forms of Yoga, and many are much less physical forms that are sometimes misunderstood. Yoga does not have to be practiced in an Ashram or on a Yoga mat. To be beneficial, Yoga can be practiced anywhere, at any time, in any shape or form.
Just by giving people help, without asking for anything in return, you are practicing Karma Yoga. By praying, you are practicing a form of Bhakti Yoga. Also, by seeking and finding the pure, but unobvious truth, you may be practicing Jnana Yoga, (Union by Knowledge).
Yoga literally means "Unity" or "Union," but each Yoga style has within itself a unique way to achieve the union of mind, body, and spirit. Yoga is non-confronting, non-conflicting, and can be integrated with many physical disciplines and religious practices. Any style of Yoga will integrate with other forms of Yoga and healing methods.
Yoga teachers "spread the word," but they must teach the more popular physical aspects of Yoga, if they want to keep their students. This is why many people get an incomplete picture of a complete health maintenance system for the three aspects of mind, body, and spirit. All three aspects of health are of equal importance, but the physical aspect is more easily realized.
Whether you are a beginner, long-time Yoga practitioner, or a Yoga teacher, your knowledge will make a difference for the best. Just by showing loving kindness and mindfulness to your friends, co-workers, and family, you will alter this world.
Therefore, the proliferation of Yoga is a miracle and a gift to mankind. By helping others, you will feel gratification that is helpful to your own mental, physical, and spiritual health. In turn, you, and your actions, will evolve with loving kindness as your guide.
This is the fundamental key to good health and well being: Give to others and you will feel much better about yourself. There is a teacher within all of us, even if you only share the gift of Yoga with one friend.
© Copyright 2006 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: "Yoga in Practice" a free e-Book, which will be available in March of 2006. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
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