About Yoga
Yoga has been around for more than 5,000 years, and is a philosophy which studies the mind. The word YOGA means the union of the human soul with the Universal Soul, i.e. the union of human being with God. Although yoga is a product of Indian civilization and has influenced many religions, yoga is a practical spiritual science that does not belong to any particular region or religion. We will simplify things by explaining that Yoga is a system of habits, and its goals are to create discipline within one’s body and mind. When put into action, this system can guide an individual down the path of transformation and happiness.
Yogis believe that life is here on earth, and we are only given one chance to be happy. We should use all the resources given to us for effective spiritual happiness. Therefore, yoga contains in itself specific teachings that lead to bodily health and emotional well-being; it assuredly leads to intellectual, creative, intuitive and spiritual growth. The yogi is a practical person; their body is a temple of the Spirit, a temple which should be scrupulously maintained because, by freeing the body you free the soul.
Most people think of yoga as a physical form of stretching. Asanas (the word asana means comfortable, stable pose) are special positions that strengthen, purify and balance the endocrine, nervous and circulatory systems. While you will stretch when doing asanas – the physical practice of postures – the main application of asanas is the resolution of problems that appear on the path of meditation.
If you practice asanas regularly, your body will gradually achieve greater endurance, your spine will become more flexible, your body will come to its natural weight and rid itself of toxins, you will breathe more easily, you will gain energy, your circulation will improve, your blood pressure will normalize, you will have an easier time coping with stress, and you will have more pleasant thoughts and fewer negative emotions. And considering all this, your overall mood will improve – in other words, you will gain vibrant physical and emotional health.
Dancing Mind Yoga, 929 W. Broad St. 
