Yoga in Roswell, GA. The Open Mind Center: FAQ

1. What is Yoga?

Yoga is different things for different people. For some, Yoga is practiced as a form of exercise or to help with physical limitations and injury, frequently including back problems. Some students practice Yoga as a means of stress management and relaxation. For others, Yoga is a journey along a path toward self-realization. Traditionally, Yoga was developed to prepare the body for meditation as part of this journey toward tranquility, bliss and self-enlightenment. Yoga is not a religion, but some students incorporate the philosophies of Yoga in their everyday life. As students become more familiar with Yoga and the body begins to open into the postures, the focus may change from an external perspective to an internal awareness.

No matter why you choose to practice Yoga, your practice is to be guided by your own intentions while honoring your body and its limitations. Come to class with no expectations, work with your body, mind and breath without judgment and allow yourself to let go during your relaxation and you will witness changes with continued practice.

2. Is Yoga just another form of exercise?

Although the physical postures are an important component of many forms of Yoga, the difference between Yoga and other exercise regimens is the focus and intention of the practice. In Yoga, we use the breath to connect the body and mind as we move through a series of poses or hold poses over several breaths. During a class, students will learn Yoga postures (asana), breath awareness and breathing techniques (pranayama) as well as relaxation and meditation methods.

3. What are some benefits of practicing Yoga?

Practicing Yoga can have many benefits that affect your body, mind and spirit. With consistent practice, Yoga can:

• Increase muscle strength, tone and flexibility
• Increase stamina, balance and coordination
• Improve lubrication of joints
• Improve posture and body alignment
• Decrease chronic pain
• Improve athletic performance
• Improve quality of sleep
• Increase energy levels
• Encourage proper breathing
• Promote digestive and circulatory health
• Enhance detoxification
• Increase mental focus and concentration
• Encourage a quiet mind
• Decrease physiological stress responses
• Decrease physical tension and anxiety
• Encourage a positive self-image
• Encourage awareness of the present moment
• Build awareness of your body
• Promote a sense of well-being

4. I am not flexible, can I still do Yoga?

Everyone can practice Yoga. Flexibility is not a requirement for Yoga and all postures can be modified to accommodate physical limitations. The more challenging part is accepting and honoring these limitations.

5. How many times a week should I practice?

As often as you can. With frequent (several times a week) and consistent practice students will notice changes in flexibility, posture, breathing, focus and awareness within a few weeks. Consider your Yoga practice as a gift you give to your body, mind and spirit. Make the commitment to honor yourself with your practice.

6. How do I get started with my Yoga practice?

a. There are several styles of Yoga so try different classes to find a style and teacher that fit with your personal intentions.

Two styles of Yoga are taught at the Open Mind Center:

Hatha Yoga: Hatha Yoga is the foundation of all Yoga and works toward balancing the mind and body using the breath. In class, the focus is on learning to determine the body's range of motion and developing the skill of working within that range of motion so the body will begin to relax into a more flexible state. Breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques are important components of the practice. This practice is designed to increase strength, stamina, flexibility, balance, concentration, awareness and relaxation. No previous yoga experience is required.

Svaroopa Yoga: Svaroopa Yoga classes begin with a guided awareness while lying in Shavasana, Yoga's Relaxation Pose, and Pranayama (breathing practice). The classes progress into a very gentle and well supported practice of asana (yoga poses). Svaroopa Yoga is accessible to everyone. The practice of Svaroopa Yoga is a "core opening" practice which opens and releases the built up tensions held along the muscles of the spine. Using blankets and props for support, your body settles and softens into each pose. As the body releases the tensions, the mind becomes still and steady... uncovering the essence of your true nature. Some of the benefits include: reduction of tension and related issues such as headaches and muscle aches, promotion of better sleep, slowing down of the mind, feeling like you've had a massage, increased body awareness, creation of space for internal organs and decompression of the spine.

b. Buy a Yoga mat
For hygienic purposes, using your own mat is recommended. This purchase also demonstrates your commitment to your practice. There are also mats available for your use at the Center if you forget yours or need an extra mat.

c. Do not eat for two to three hours before your class
Many postures will affect your digestive system and a full stomach may cause discomfort in twisting or inverted poses.

d. Wear comfortable clothing
Some students prefer loose-fitting clothing, however in some poses, sagging clothing can be distracting. Wear something you are comfortable in.

e. Come to class 10-15 minutes prior to class
Give yourself enough time before class to sign in, get situated and start making the transition from your busy day to your practice.

f. Late arrivals
Inevitably there will be days when you are running late. Please consider joining us even if you are running behind and do not rush to get to class stressing yourself out will make it more difficult to relax. If you are late, please enter the room quietly and join the class without creating significant noise and distractions. Please be considerate of the other students in the class.

g. Remove your shoes (and socks)
Yoga is practiced barefoot. Socks can be worn; however, many postures will be more stable with direct contact between your feet and your mat. There is a mat by the Yoga studio door to leave your shoes.

h. Turn your cell phone OFF (not vibrate)
Please be considerate of others during your practice. Vibrating phones can be as distracting as ringing phones. Take advantage of this time for yourself and disconnect from the outside world, if only for an hour.

There are several Yoga postures and practices that should be avoided by students with certain medical conditions. Please make sure your teacher is aware of any medical conditions (even if it appears that it should not affect your Yoga practice) or if there are any changes in your health. Your teacher can recommend alternative postures for those that may be unsafe or uncomfortable.

j. Important to remember
This is YOUR Yoga practice. Yoga is not a competition. Do not compare yourself to others in the class or to photos you see in magazines. All postures can be modified to accommodate limitations of the body. This is not to say that you should not challenge yourself, but be realistic in your body's abilities and honor its limitations. Rather than focusing on what you look like in the postures, observe how the posture feels, where the restrictions are, how you are breathing and how the breath changes the posture. Enjoy your practice.