Written by Aviva Tulasi
Since attending my first yoga class over a decade ago, I have become a healthier individual. I am stronger. I digest my food better. I am more confident and connect better with others. I am more aware of how I move and have maintained my flexibility. I have found my sense of spirituality and embrace opportunities to be in community. I have learned to accept my emotions and noticed that I am more balanced. I make myself a priority and don’t overextend myself. I continue to become healthier each day despite continuing to age. Yoga is not the only factor that enhanced my overall wellbeing. However, yoga was the catapult that promoted me to start making changes.
Wellness is a multidimensional concept which includes physical, psychological and social components. We can think of our Health as three components of our overall being: physical health, mental health and spiritual health. Yoga is a practice that touches on physical movement, mental calmness and connection.
New research supports that practicing yoga has beneficial effect on overall wellness. In addition, the Swedish study found that yoga was associated with fewer injuries compared to aerobic exercise. As the study protocol points out, regular physical activity in elderly populations can benefit mood disorders, cognitive deficits, pain, mobility and increase independence. In addition, the study suggests that yoga is particularly effective for improving balance and mobility, cardiometabolic health, cognition, sleep quality, improved mental health and quality of life.
According to Chinese medicine and Yogic traditions, when there is disharmony or imbalance in the subtle energy flow, there is illness. Yoga, when practiced safely, is an antidote to blockages in subtle energy flow. Yoga postures move energy throughout the body. The benefits of movement can also be seen in the physical body. When we don’t move, overall communication between cells is reduced. Our fascia network can thicken and harden. Practicing yoga promotes our fascia movement in all directions promoting healthy tissues that have elasticity, glide and plasticity so that our entire body functions better.
I do yoga regularly. Yet, I still get sick and anxious. Little things still cause a negative stress response for me. However, I am able to recognize these states of disease and allow them to be there without judgment. I do not define myself by their presence. I value the lessons and messages that they send me. Yoga has taught me how to welcome life’s lessons even when my eczema flares and my arms are red and itchy. I attribute this positive change in my overall wellness to my study of yoga.
Monday we pay tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. Although we will have online group classes on Labor Day, the staff at Dogwood Studio is taking time to be with family.
The holiday will affect our schedule on Wednesday September 7th. This Wednesday, we will only have the online option for Mindful Movement and Yoga. In addition, this Wednesday, Joint Freeing Yoga is canceled.
Sign up for a Group Class on our website HERE.
Purchase a Subscription (On Demand, Online or In Person) HERE.
Purchase a group Class Package (Online or In Person) HERE.
Purchase a Private Session (Online or In Person) HERE.
You can join us Wednesday mornings at the NC Botanical Garden for Morning Yoga at the Garden. Practice streamside before the Garden opens. Registration is through the NC Botanical Garden Website.
Reach out to the Dogwood Team with any questions at info@dogwoodstudioyoga.com. We are here to help.
Aviva Chaye Tulasi is a team member at Dogwood Studios. She is a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT). She applies the teachings of classical yoga to reduce the effects of negative stress and to balance the nervous system. Aviva is available for private sessions. Email Aviva at yogawithtulasi@gmail.com with any questions.
SAM Sather, founder of Dogwood Studios, is a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT), individualizes the yoga practice with appropriate modifications for participants’ unique bodies and medical histories with a focus on finding calm and improving health. She offers several live, online and in person yoga classes as well as private sessions so you can focus on your needs one-on-one.