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Posted by Ash on November 27th, 2007 in Mind-Body-Spirit

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It’s just another typical day. I woke up, wrote in my journal for half an hour and then did yoga. But is it just another day? There is something so intrinsically special about yoga, that every day I do it, I feel myself transcended. It’s not just exercise for the body, it’s exercise for the mind and the spirit, a doorway into the inner being, our all-knowing spirit.

I first became interested in yoga in high school. It was the summer after my sophomore year, a particularly creative summer. I was filling pages within my sketchbook, listening to a lot of fun and inspiring music, and I guess the time was right to come across my mother’s book, Power Yoga, by Beryl Bender Birch. Since then, for eight years, the book has served as my yoga bible, it has been the connection to my fascination and complete respect for yoga.

I have had a few yoga classes over the years. Sure, I’ve gained some pointers from these, but mostly, I find Power Yoga to be equipped with everything you need to begin practice. I’ve also gotten Beyond Power Yoga, which delves even deeper into the practice, expounding on meditation and the effects yoga can have on your life beyond the obvious physical and mental transformation.

The book, in my opinion, has been extraordinary. I share the viewpoint of the author, that so many Americans consider yoga to be simply a mode to relaxation, something close to sleep, with simple stretches. Power Yoga is based on Astanga, a yoga system dating back thousands of years in India. It works with the hard and the soft. In my mind, I associate the hard with the physical postures (which) create quite a sweat when done correctly, and I know I have seen enormous improvement in my body. I have developed much more muscle, and lost some weight as well. I feel strong and more in shape than I ever have before. The soft within yoga pertains to the peace within your mind, discarding the rambling thoughts that constantly occupy our mind.

After a good yoga practice, I feel wonderful. My body has released Serotonin from the workout and I lounge in that pleasant feeling that follows physical exertion. Even if it takes over an hour, to the very end of my practice, I usually manage to quiet my mind, and hush the mental chatter that keeps me from the present moment. Then, the all powerful components of Power Yoga collide; mind, body, and spirit are present and living, and I am a deeply breathing excellent being.

At the end of it, I feel at peace, rooted and happy with my physical self, and shining with inner spirit.

I would highly recommend Power Yoga: The Total Strength and Flexibility Workout and the practice of yoga overall. Already today, because of yoga and all its fringe benefits, I certainly find myself, as a general rule, feeling peaceful and content.

Randi JaNell is a Writer, Nanny and Goddess residing in Falls Church, VA.

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