What is yoga?

Yoga is a practice of observation that leads to natural healing. When we practice yoga poses, it is a process of observing our body. A yoga pose challenges our body into a position where we can become aware of the issues in our body. Some muscles may be too tight from poor postural habits. Some muscles may be dormant from disuse. When our mind notices these issues, it will naturally trigger biological changes in the body to resolve the issues.

Through the practice of yoga poses, we also sharpen our ability to observe. Then we can practice breathing exercises. This is a process of observing our inner physiology. As breath travels inside our body, it creates subtle expansions and contractions throughout the whole body. This subtle movement acts as a sensor that helps us feel our internal body. Our internal tissues and organs will give out very subtle signals of discomfort if they are in an unhealthy state. Again, when the mind notices, it will trigger biological changes to heal. Through the practice of breathing exercises, we further sharpen our ability to observe. Then we can practice meditation. This is a process of observing our mind.

Meditation is a practice of not thinking.
When we think we cannot observe.
We never notice the flaws amidst our train of thoughts.
When we don’t think, we can observe.
We notice the erroneous thoughts that lead to actions that get us into problems.

We practise letting go of those thoughts. We find more peace.

Yoga is a practice of observing, not striving. When the mind notices, it naturally heals. The more you practice, the more you notice, the better you heal.