Health & Fitness
What is Yoga, Really?
By Sherri Mraz
Most of us are used to looking for happiness outside of ourselves. We all want to be happy but what does that look like? Even after we attain a long held desire we end up with a deep longing within for “something more.”
Maybe when I get a new house, better job, new car, more money, or maybe even a different spouse I’ll finally be happy. Now I’m not going to deny that sometimes these things can make us happy, but it usually lasts for a short time and then the wanting starts over. So if we are always seeking how can we ever achieve happiness?
Most of us are so busy. We are constantly running and working toward our goals. All of this striving to achieve more puts us in a constant state of doing. It really goes against our true nature. We are always caught up in action rather than an inner awareness. Remember, we are human beings not merely human doings.
“The word yoga means, ‘Union,’ the yoking of body, mind and spirit. Yoga is a state of mind. It is not a religion, it is not a diet, it is not an exercise plan, although you do get stronger in all of those areas from practicing.”
Body ~ from practicing the asanas (postures) your body begins to develop strength. Your body also starts to crave clean food. You become more aware of how you feel and how food affects your body. It’s as if you become your own physician. You intuitively know what is right for yourself. I believe that everyone knows what is right for them already but it’s as if the curtains are drawn and you are disconnected to your own light. Following a regular practice, which includes meditation or just plain quiet time the curtains open and the light shines brighter.
Mind ~ you will begin to notice things just start to look different when you practice yoga. Did you get that? They look different! 90% of life and your happiness is based on your attitude. There is a saying,” You cannot change the landscape only the eyes you look at it with.” Your thinking and your attitude start to shift. This does not happen at first but over time you notice the changes starting to accumulate.
Spirit ~ be still and know that I am God.” The Bible teaches us to listen to our inner guide. I think this sums up what the science of yoga is. We simply learn to still.
Traditionally, there are eight limbs of yoga. Each limb is in essence a value. Compare them to any religion and you will see the similarities. It is true that if all people followed them correctly the world would be a much more peaceful place.
That is the beauty of yoga. It is a practice of peace, strength and good will. You learn the art of detachment to others drama and your own. You practice loving kindness to yourself and others.
***
Sherri Mraz also known as the Cookin’ Yogi, works with clients privately and in groups to improve their health. She teaches healthy cooking classes, yoga and is a public speaker. Sherri has trained at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in NYC and is certified through Teachers College Columbia University and by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP). She is also registered with the Yoga Alliance at the advanced teacher level, a member of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and studied at The Hippocrates Health Institute. She studied ancient nutritional wisdom, and the latest diet and healthy lifestyle trends with renowned experts such as Dr. Mehmet Oz, Deepak Chopra, Dr. Andrew Weil, Dr. Walter Willet, Dr. Anne Marie Colbin, and Dr. Neal Bernard. Sherri is the author of the Cookbook “The Cookin’ Yogi’s, More Energy, Less Waist” and the “3 Day Bliss Detox” She is located at Keystone Chiropractic in Royal Palm Beach. Please contact her at Sherri@CookinYogi.com or visit her website at www.CookinYogi.com