SHARING... from Andie

Recebi esse e-mail de uma aluna e achei importante dividir...Principalmente, pq é sempre um carinho que recebo das pessoas. E carinho é o que devemos alimentar nas almas que compartilham a experiência de estar vivo.

Hi Marcia,
I write a fitness blog and thought that you would be interested in what I wrote this week-since you are the catalyst for my LOVE OF YOGA
See you tonight!
Andie

Week 17-The power of yoga

I have been in a relationship with yoga for about a year now. Like every new affair we have had our ups and downs, but luckily we are really starting to get to know each other. This bond that we have built has been a wonderful addition to my exercise routine. It has been fascinating for me to be able to go beyond the intellectual mind and enter my spiritual heart and be able to identify with my inner self. Yoga has given me an avenue to feel an expansion of consciousness. When I practice yoga often, I feel more inner peace and joy, not to mention that I am able to be a more devoted, tender, balanced, loving mother, wife and friend. My stress seems to slip off me like butter on hot veggies, rather than staying with me day in and day out. I believe that happiness is self generated, but I will take all the help I can get and having yoga in my life, gives me happiness!

The reason for this is that practicing yoga increases levels of serotonin production which influences mood and behaviour. Practicing yoga and meditation is much more that a spiritual connection, it has a wealth of health benefits as well. Yoga increases blood flow, decreases muscle tension, decreases PMS and enhances the immune system. Yoga also increases the ability to concentrate and by strengthening the mind, it is under your control and is able to provide effective guidance to the physical body.

A good friend of mine once said “Yoga is more than stretching the body- it is enlightenment through movement. “ To me, yoga is a journey that offers continual opportunities for growth. By challenging yourself with different approaches you stay present and creative. I hope that you too will start a relationship with yoga, you will not regret the inner peace and joy it brings.

¨True inner joy is self - created.

It does not depend on outer circumstances.

A river is flowing in and through you carrying the message of joy.

This divine joy is the sole purpose of life.¨

From: Wings of Joy by Sri Chinmoy