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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be flexible to do yoga?
No! The more you practice yoga, the more flexible you will become, but natural flexibility
is very definitely not required. The goal of yoga is not to be able to twist yourself into a pretzel,
the goal is to develop a relaxed and peaceful body, mind, and spirit.
Is yoga a spiritual or meditative practice?
That's completely up to you. Hatha yoga was originally developed
expressly as a preliminary practice to meditation. The postures were developed to calm
the body and the mind so that the practitioner could sit in meditation for extended periods.
It can still be used for this purpose. Or hatha practice can be used as an end in itself.
How should I prepare for class?
- Show up at least a few minutes before class is scheduled to begin, to allow yourself time to make the transition to practice time.
- Wear comfortable, non-binding clothing that allows you to move and breathe. Yogis prefer natural fibers to let our bodies breathe.
- Bring a yoga mat if you have one (we have a few extras), and a blanket for relaxation (if you want.)
- Please make sure all electronics (cell phones, etc.) are silenced.
- We discourage strong perfumes or fragrances, as they can be distracting to those around you.
- We recommend not eating for a few hours before practice, but if you have blood sugar issues or wish to eat beforehand, eat light (juices are good.)
- Get comfortable. Either lightly stretch or lay back in relaxation.
Is yoga a religion?
No, yoga is a practice, not a religion (or a cult!) A religion asks you to subscribe
to a set of beliefs. As a practice, yoga requires no beliefs. Instead, it asks you to perform certain postures
and methods of breathing, and invites you
to pay attention to the effects on your body, mind, and spirit. Yoga originated in India, and may
seem exotic on one's first exposure to it, but its benefits are entirely practical, and are
available to anyone, regardless of race, gender, creed, age, etc.
Why do we say "namaste" at the end of class?
Namaste is the traditional yoga greeting of respect.
The Sanskrit word can be translated as "I bow to you" or "the light in me salutes
the light in you." Here is more information from
Yoga Journal.
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