Yoga as a vehicle for exploration, compassion, and freedom.

Yoga is a state of being. It is a way of being in the world more awake, aware, compassionate, conscious, embodied, and connected.  Yoga is also a practice that is used on and off the mat. Yoga consists of 8 different limbs including ethical standards, self-study/discipline, breath control, mindfulness, meditation, withdrawing of the senses, and unity of all parts of self. Yoga postures make up the physical part of the yoga practice and is often what we think of when we hear the word "yoga" in the West. 

Historically poses/postures were used to prepare the body to sit in meditation for extended periods of time. Today, poses can allow opportunities to find sensations in the body, tolerate sensations, make choices about sensations, and investigate with curiosity.   It's important to focus on the healing aspects of the practice rather than trying to perfect the pose. Remember, you are the expert in your own body and whatever choice you make for your body today, is the correct one.