BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Yoga Why Do You Practice Yoga?

Hi Everyone,

I have been enjoying reading and catching up on many of the recent yoga posts. I'm excited to be in the company of so many inspiring yogis and yoginis and am curious to learn more about why you practice yoga. Why did you start and what are the benefits that cause you to continue?

I started doing yoga about ten years ago seeking relief from back pain. Yoga took away my back pain and helped me feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally so I've been an avid practitioner ever since.

What keeps you coming back to your yoga mat?

I started b/c a seattle friend was doing yoga and i was intrigued about how she ended up addicted so quickly. So i really was just doing stretches at that time.

Then Lisa started doing yoga in march and I got more personally excited about it and wanted to learn real yoga. My pulled groin began healing after a short while, and then i noticed i felt happier and calmer all the time...and i also feel stronger. I also enjoy the savasana a lot - I am having more fun quieting my mind.

I think holistically yoga is affecting every area of my life.

As I have probably posted earlier, I started yoga at age 68 or so. I had begun to feel unsteady on my feet and asked a DD for exercises that would help. She gave me a yoga mat and a book of poses. After doing it on my own for a while I began to take weekly lessons, and now also have a library of yoga DVDs to liven up my home practises.
I was amazed how poses that I thought impossible when I began became easy with practise, and how I can continue to grow in strength and flexibility. To get better and better at something physical at age 74 is wonderfully empowering!
I also enjoy the friends I have made through yoga classes. I live alone and finding another little community to join has enriched my life that much more.

Claybird, you really rock!!!

I have not yet actually started my yoga lessons, but am doing stretching exercises to loosen up these old bones and muscles. I need more flexibility!

Claybird, you reall have motivated me to get moving on this.

I want to learn to practice yoga for the benefit of connecting with my inner self, meditation enhancement and increased strength and flexibility.

Claybird, I used you as an inspirational story at my yoga class this morning.

My husband and I were doing yoga together through our local community center, but we got out of the habit once spring hit. But reading your responses makes me want to get back into it -- it's not only good for us individually, it's good for us as a couple! And he loves it.....but now that summer's here, we just want to be outside....

I should re-read this post in the fall, and get back on the yoga wagon :-)

Jill,

That's so great. Isn't it amazing how quickly yoga can begin to affect every area of your life? It's wonderful physical exercise and so much more!

I second that! What an inspiration you are, Claybird.

Jill, consider yourself hugged! You gave me SUCH a lift!