Enrich Your Life With YogaAre you intrigued by the idea of yoga, but aren't sure exactly what it's all about? Have you found yourself wondering what yoga enthusiasts get out of it all?
Mark Blanchard has been practicing yoga for over 20 years, and has been teaching for five. He has studied with the legendary B.K.S. Iyengar, has made several yoga videos, and currently offers classes at his own studio, Mark Blanchard's Power Yoga. Here he shares some of the principal advantages of yoga with those looking to get involved with the ancient discipline:
- Proper breathing.
According to Mark, Yoga begins changing your life by teaching you how to breathe properly, which gives you awareness of your body.
- Reduce fear.
This awareness allows you to gradually reduce fear. Fear forces you into bad decisions, destructive relationships, and anger. Fear leads you to everything that is negative in your life. By giving you awareness and control over your body, Yoga releases the fear.
- Gain confidence.
With practice and determination, you soon gain incredible control over your body. You can bend to great extremes and stand on your hands. Because of this, you gain confidence and are able to take more control over your life. In Mark's opinion, this is not arrogance, but belief in yourself and your abilities.
- Transformation.
Increased confidence can lead to an incredible transformation. With each breath, Yoga can bring you to a better space, and the changes can be immeasurable. Mark's belief in the transformational benefits of yoga lead him to practice it every day of his life, and recommend it to everyone he meets.
For more information on the benefits of yoga, check out the following organizations and websites:
American Yoga Association
P.O. Box 19986 Sarasota, FL 34276
941-927-4977
www.americanyogaassociation.org
The Yoga Alliance
120 S. Third Avenue West Reading, Pennsylvania 19611www.yogaalliance.org
Yoga Research and Education Center
2400A County Center Drive Santa Rosa, CA 95403
707-566-9000
www.yrec.org
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