Why do you yoga?

Yoga has many benefits. The theme for International Yoga Day 2021 is ‘Yoga for Wellness’ – and it got me thinking about what it is that draws people to yoga and why they maintain a practice. Is it the same thing which drew you to yoga in the first place that keeps you coming back for more – or has your focus changed over time?

Wellness is such a broad term – is it a good enough reason to start yoga? – or to carry on yoga?

Yoga for wellness?

Yoga for wellness – a healthy back – mindfulness – menopause – balance – flexibility – injury prevention – pregnancy – chakra exploring – moon connection – the list goes on. What are you seeking? And did yoga help?

Is to ‘yoga for wellness’ enough?

Why do I yoga?

For me, the reasons to yoga have changed a lot over the years. At first a sought a physical practice to enhance range of movement and flexibility. Looking back I sought to become a yoga teacher because I was fit and flexible – I thought that was enough. How wrong I was!

At some point during my teacher training course I realised my reason to practice had changed dramatically and now I sought that sense of stillness and calmness of mind which came from yoga. As the years have passed and I have spent more time I realise that yoga has given me so much more than I could have imagined at the start.

Some benefits – Why I yoga?

Strength and flexibility which has enabled me to carry on doing crossfit for over 7 years (and in the top 100 for my age-group worldwide for the last 3 years)

Breath control and awareness which has allowed me to perform better on a physical level and delve into the more subtle aspects of mindfulness and meditation.

Stillness – finding peace in a turbulent world.

Meditation – Dru Yoga is like meditation in motion, and with further study I am training to be a Dru Meditation teacher.

Body and mind wellness using the ancient principles of Ayurveda – the sister science of yoga. I am becoming increasingly draw to delve into the depths and science of these arts.

So

Why Do You Yoga?

Do you yoga? Have you yoga’d. Was it what you expected and if it wasn’t – what would encourage you back?