Here is an article by a good friend of ours, Julie Halevan on the benefits of yoga:

Discovering Deep Peace, Tranquility and Healing Through the Practice of Classical Yoga

In the fast-paced world we create for ourselves, scurrying here and there, trying desperately to get all the stuff done and feeling drained in the process, I believe at some point we come to this understanding that we’re really not living at all. Our minds, like untamed monkeys, are constantly in motion; often dwelling on the past or fretting about the future. It begs the question – When are we ever really living in present-time? And, let’s face it- being in a state of frenzy does indeed affect our biology.

Like software, we begin to store, unconsciously or even consciously, negative programs and patterns of disharmonies and hurriedness into our computer-like bodies. Discomfort and dis-ease then begins to manifest on a physical level. We eventually come to realize that, along the way, we’ve given our spirit away and have drained our life-force. Have we lost ourselves forever? Perhaps it’s time to introduce yourself to your Self.

Yoga encourages the body to function as an integrated whole. Body, emotions, mind and spirit can pull in their own directions as each, in turn, demands the fulfillment of its own needs and desires. This causes a continual separation. Yoga unifies the diverse aspects of the organism. The word “yoga” actually comes from the root word, “yoke” which means “union”. As we begin to practice yoga on a regular basis, integrating our four-bodied system, we come to the greater experience of our higher Self that has always dwelled within – that place of deep peace, contentment and wisdom.

In a sense, our reality begins to shift as the experiences of life take on a whole new perspective. A healthy detachment is fostered, as if now, you are the observer of the “picture-show”. A feeling of balance and centeredness resides, and the life-force within is strengthened and directed by the intelligent body, for deep healing. Regular practice of yoga becomes a way of life. It is life-changing as it awakens dormant energies dwelling within the body. As positive changes occur, one begins to experience an unimagined beauty not only on the physical level, but in all aspects of the Self as connected with the universe.

So, you’re probably wondering – What can I expect during a yoga session? First of all, I’d like to emphasize that anyone can practice yoga! I think there is this misconception out there that one has to be young, thin, or super flexible to practice yoga and its postures. As I’m sure you’ve gathered by now, yoga is so much more than just getting into a particular posture. Again, it’s all about the integration of the one whole body system.

But, let’s talk about postures for a moment. Yogic postures, called asanas, are performed in slow motion where no strain should ever be felt. The yoga session is designed to be a complete, invigorating, yet very relaxed experience. A balanced program of postures works upon every muscle, nerve, gland, and organ in the body. Additionally, asanas help to release energies trapped in the spine and joints. It feels wonderful! Breathing completely, while performing the asanas is also vital to healthy physical, mental/emotional and spiritual well-being.

The primary source of one’s sustenance is derived from the prana or life-force extracted from the air. The more life-force one has within the body, the more alive one is. When one focuses on the breath and understands the importance of this life force, one becomes totally present in the moment, and a stillness of the mind pervades!

Swami Sivananda, in his book The Mysterious Mind, says that the emotions of the mind need to be controlled by firstly acknowledging them as blessings, as they give a push for action or motion, but then by letting them quietly subside from the mind ocean. Mind is the greatest force on this earth. One who has controlled his mind is full of power; and it is power and not force which permeates at higher levels of consciousness. In yoga practice, one aims to relinquish the hold the mind has on the organism. Through such liberation, Knowledge of Self occurs and one experiences the infinite; where there is no mind, there is no limitation. When the limitation of mind is destroyed, the unconditional Self shines as Sat-Chit-Ananda – Existence, Knowledge, and Bliss.

So, where does the body end and the mind begin? Where does the mind end and the spirit begin? These aspects of Self are intimately related and can never be divided. Yogi, B.K.S. Iyengar contends that with continued yoga practice, one gains health which is the state of complete equilibrium of body, mind and spirit. The yogi never neglects the body or mind, but cherishes them both as he stimulates the life force within. By strengthening and harmonizing these aspects of self, one increases his organism’s healing power. We practice yoga to realize our true perfect and divine nature and to dedicate this spirit to the service of humanity for which it is intended.

--Julie Halevan, CYT