Olemeku Aledan Professor Harrell English 101 5 December 2013 Yoga Enrichment Namaste; this is a Hindu word meaning

I bow to you interpreted as The divine essence in me, recognizes the divine essence in you. It is often said by yoga instructors to signal the beginning and ending of a yoga instruction. Yoga is a Sanskrit word meaning to unite. Its main purpose is to unite the mind, body and spirit. Yoga contains material that is applicable to daily life, for enrichment physically, mentally, and spiritually. The most popular form of yoga, which takes in many classes in the Washington DC area is Hatha yoga. This is complete and total control over the body. Hatha yoga is used to strengthen the body for meditation. Today it is used as a form of exercise or body toning. Because of the way it stretches the body, and challenges the muscles it can be viewed as a self-physical therapy. It provides the same results. This is why there are specific yoga movements for back pain and arthritis. Studies also show that yoga shows improvement for those with depression, insomnia, and blood pressure, as reported by the National Institute of Health. But it is much more than just movements and positions. What the body takes in is just as important, so some who practice this yoga also incorporate a well-balanced diet, fasting, or cleanse into their regimen. This will keep the body healthy internally as well as externally. And sometimes celibacy is also added. Abstaining from sex is a matter of discipline when it pertains to yoga; not

only body wise but mentally. By limiting ones partners a greater sense of self is recognized. Hatha yoga is what connects the body with the mind. Yoga is much more than just the physical. There are actually many different types of yogas. The spiritual portion of yoga is observed in Bhakti Yoga. Bhakti Yoga is all about the use of devotion to concentrate the mind on transforming the personality. It is the practice of using ones faith to help create a better self. In the Hindu tradition, those who practice this form of yoga will give worship to Rama, Krishna, and the goddess Kali. They represent Gods incarnations in this religion, similar to the way Christ is represented in the Christianity faith. Other ways to show devotion are by reciting invocations, and chanting Japams. Invocations are short prayers asking for Gods help. And a Japam is the repeating of Gods name up to 12,000 times a day. This is done so that it will become not only an unconscious activity, but so you may acknowledge God as a warm presence. For some, having a strong faith can be very beneficial in other parts of your life, because it usually requires discipline. This discipline learned from your spiritual acts can lead to being disciplined with your school work, and being disciplined with your body. Doing yoga is one of my happiest moments. Saturday mornings are my yoga time. Yoga is the only form of exercise that I partake in. I do it for body toning, my back problems, and flexibility, because I did ballet. For me yoga started with just the physical, but I ventured into meditation. Meditating helps me a great deal when dealing with school, family, and friends. The act of clearing your head and having not a problem in the world is enough to calm anyone down. Whenever I finish doing yoga I feel a wave of serenity wash over me. While at Rutgers, my dorm was suite-style, so people just walked in while I did yoga in the living room; people were always caught off guard. This happened so many times, that people began to ask to do yoga with

me. It was nice to be able to introduce fellow students to yoga. Many of them are still doing yoga now. Raja yoga is about the acceptance that we are wonderful beings that are more than just science. It is about wanting to unlock that inner self. It is about going beyond your daily existence, and tapping into what is inside; awakening your soul. This happens with heavy concentration and meditation, also with a few limited body postures. By doing this you separate your soul, who you are, from your physical being. While in deep meditation this is achieved and the presence of time disappears. This is a great yoga because it can effect of life. By gaining a better sense of self you will want to change your life for better. Youll want to exercise, eat right, and do well all leading to your happiness. The benefits that are received from yoga are numerous. When done correctly, yoga is a phenomenon. Concentrating deeply on yourself- your true self, will bring contentment. Yoga is something that enriches a persons life with its balance. It is the balance that we gain through physical exercises, devotional stability, and meditation that strengthens us and can help to lead us to a stress-free life.

"Yoga, Hinduism, and Personality." 20 Sept. 2013 <http://homepages.rpi.edu/~verwyc/Yoga.htm>.