On Saturday, July 10th, visitors at the Wellness Center say “Namaste” as they finished up an hour-long yoga session. Yoga is the newest physical activity here at the Wellness Center, promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. These goals are achieved through focusing on breathing methods, mental focus, and postures called “asanas”.
Autumn, the Yoga instructor, started off the session with the participants in Balasana or “Child’s pose” on their mats, encouraging deep breathing as she put on slow, soothing music to set the tone of the class. With students ranging from age 28 to 82, many of them beginners, Autumn showed the class step by step each of the asanas with alternative variations for challenging poses. Many of these poses were low impact, slow movements that focused on breathing, balance, flexibility and being present.
Dr. Nevins, a board-certified osteopathic family physician and certified Kundalini Yoga instructor explains, “Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness; increases body awareness; relieves chronic stress patterns; relaxes the mind; centers attention; and sharpens concentration,” these benefits help to relieve stress that is another deterrent of health.
