The Classic Question, I am asked very often the last few years of my training, “Leslie, What exactly is Yoga?” What is a Yogi? Understanding this question will begin our Chapter and New Yoga familiarity. This chapter may be the longest of the book for many editions. There is so much information and updates to share on the topic of Yoga. First; Yoga is for everyone. All ages, races, sizes, and religions. You may find this listed again in so many words; but the message remains true. Yoga provides so many gifts and rewards. Now; my answer to “What is Yoga?” changes as I deepen my awareness as a Yogi Junior this year 2008. I am always open to learning new paths and deepening my Hatha consciousness and perception for myself, online students, and any local Gym classes I plan to teach near home. From my personal training; in this definition I notice many religions or churches will not understand the full concept; That a Yogi is one who is in “union with God”, any Yoga Individual or trainee will have this definition memorized over time. As I keep myself updated on the latest news, articles, journals, and conversations; I am starting to discover the many conflicts or misinterpretations between Christians and Yogins. Some individuals are acceptable such as the Kriya and Raja fellowship Yogins. However; this does not include many traditional Christian Churches of today. The concept of God being actually apart of Yoga; is very foreign to the average observing non Yogin. Yoga is not the worship of false Gods or other Idols. Yoga is Universal and the Religion Paths are very sacred. We are all one God, with many Gurus, Masters, Ministers, Monks, Nuns, Healers, and Prophets.....
....I love Yoga and the amazing thing about it, is the age of the practice. Yoga is more than five thousand years old, it is known as a special gift from India to the World. Imagine practicing or performing an art of fitness and healing, thousands of years old, you cannot go wrong, this has proven effective by other generations. Yoga can be viewed as an excellent healing method of self-development, empowerment, divine connection, and self-realization. Yoga is a very unique health science. I know skeptics that love researching the yoga topic just for negative conversations and gossip, no fib or tale. As a Trainer; this teaches me; some individuals still lack true understanding and knowledge of this fascinating India Art and Practice. Yoga is the only healing system in the world that connects one with a sound mind, a peaceful spirit, and a healthy body, and cures the whole collection of chronic, harmful, traumatic diseases. Yoga assists us on our spiritual journey. It brings us all insight, love, motivation, and harmony to realize our oneness with God. Once you practice yoga for a length of time, you become a fan of its healing and special poses. Each month and year of regular yoga practice will bring individuals instant healing, strength, focus, intuition, clean chakras, and improved health. Yoga is mind, body, and spirit therapy, guaranteed to give rejuvenation, transformation, and relaxation.
I even find it humorous; that some Yogins will quote the definition of Yoga back to you, as if you are brand new to the field yoga. You began to feel small and tiny over time. Why is this? One has to incorporate, master, and view Yoga into every area, core, and inch of your well being, body, mind, and life chronicle. The inner you have to be able to assess this embedded information whenever there is a problem, concern, worry, fear, spiritual unhappiness, chronic sickness, or emotional turmoil. Yoga is not only fitness or religion, but a Psychology of Life. We will discuss this deeper in the Yoga Path Section of this chapter....