A mind free from all disturbance is Yoga
- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Yoga was developed over 6,000 years ago as a holistic, scientific approach to life to improve an individual's personal and social (broadly interpreted) development. Around 100 B.C. a teacher named Patanjali organized astaunga yoga, that incorporates 8 basic aspects or "limbs" of yoga that are still recognized today. The most well known of those 8 limbs in the western world is the third limb - asanas (or physical postures). The other limbs are: (1) yama (moral principles); (2) niyama (observances); (4) pranayama (control of vital energy); (5) pratyarhara (withdrawal of mind); (6) dharana (inner concentration of mind); (7) dhyana (meditation); (8) samadhi (sustained state of dhyana described in various ways as attainment of the authentic or true self). Not surprisingly, yoga has evolved over the years into many types that emphasize different aspects of yogic practices. As there are many different types of yoga, individuals may use the practice for different purposes. Simply stated, the practice of yoga can provide benefits to the physical, mental and spiritual development of an individual.
Yoga Therapy
Yoga is a type of therapy for anyone who practices it because it promotes health. The benefits vary depending upon what an individual brings to the practice, that is, the individual's own state of health, and what the individual is interested in achieving. The best way to understand and appreciate the benefits of yoga is to experience it yourself!
Kids Yoga Therapy
As is true of many forms of therapy, yoga is most beneficial when begun at an early age. Yoga has been adapted for, and is now being practiced with infants and young children. One approach developed by Sonia Sumar is Yoga for the Special Child®. While the therapeuric sessions follow a basic format, they are adapted to the individual infant's or child's needs based upon an evaluation and information gathered from the family. The format incorporates five yogic practices: (1) asanas, or body postures; (2) pranayama, or breathing exercises; (3) kriyas, or cleansing practices (e.g., of the respiratory system); (4) music and sound; (5) deep relaxation.
Yoga begins by accepting our limitations, whatever they may be, and working with this self-acceptance as a base...we gradually learn to transcend our limitations, one by one, and in this way, real and lasting progress is possible. - Sonia Sumar