What is yoga?

Yoga is one of those words that is difficult to define.  A concept or a practice that is as introspective as yoga often results in slightly modified versions of the same understanding unique to each individual.  To complicate it even further, that personal identification does not remain static and changes over time.  My version of yoga is likely different than yours or anyone else’s and it is that space to create my own definition that attracted me (and continues to do so) to the practice. Below is my opinionated translation, you will likely come to your own conclusion.

The word yoga means “union” and is interpreted uniquely to each individual practitioner.  The physical practice involves a combination of breath, postures, and meditation. It is a discipline of the mental and physical that fosters present moment awareness and reduces stress with intentional activation of the parasympathetic nervous system.  Yoga serves to quiet the internal chatter bred from over stimulation and creates space for dialogue between mind and body. It is an avenue for self-awareness, self-exploration, and self-discovery.