TOP 10 REASONS TO PRACTICE YOGA AT ST. PAUL'S

TOP 10 REASONS TO PRACTICE YOGA AT ST. PAUL’S
Adapted from Yoga Alliance, 2006 (The facts are theirs; the enthusiasm’s mine! – JCW+)
Rector’s Disclaimer: OK. So this isn’t as funny as Letterman’s “Top 10” lists, but do read it – you might learn something AND get inspired to join our class, which meets on Thursday nights at 7:30 in the Parish Hall. No need to sign up in advance – JUST COME!!
10. FLEXIBILITY
Many people can’t touch their toes during their first yoga class. Gradually, yoga lengthens and strengthens muscles, improving flexibility and mobility.
9. INCREASED STRENGTH
Yoga postures use every muscle in the body, helping to increase strength literally from head to toe. And, while these postures strengthen the body, they also provide an additional benefit of helping to relieve muscular tension.
8. PAIN RELIEF
Studies demonstrate that practicing yoga postures and doing meditation can reduce physical pain for people with conditions such as cancer, M.S., arthritis, back pain and more.
7. STRESS RELIEF
By encouraging relaxation, yoga helps to lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Related benefits include lowering blood pressure and heart rate, improving digestion and boosting the immune system as well as easing symptoms of conditions such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, asthma and insomnia.
6. BETTER BREATHING
Yoga teaches deeper, slower breathing. This helps to improve lung function, triggers the body’s relaxation response and increases oxygen to the body – and BRAIN!!!
5. WEIGHT MANAGEMENT (Bet you didn’t guess this one!)
Yoga (even the less vigorous style we practice) can aid weight control efforts by reducing the cortisol levels as well as by burning excess calories and reducing stress. Yoga also encourages healthy eating habits and provides a heightened sense of well being and self esteem.
4. GROUP SUPPORT
It’s easier to do yoga consistently if you have a supportive group practicing with you. In our class, it’s not a competition, just a place of encouragement.
3. FOCUS ON THE PRESENT
Yoga helps us become aware of the present moment – and of God’s presence with us. Yoga is a tool for opening us up to more of God’s love and healing.
2. OUR WONDERFUL TEACHER
Yoga instructor Laurie Trupp not only does a gentle, clear, helpful job of leading us through various poses, she also begins and ends each class with Christian meditation on Scripture, poetry or writings which invite us to get closer to God.
1. INNER PEACE
A popular song reminds us, “Can’t buy me love.” Well, the truth is, can’t buy me peace, either. If you’re going through your days with a sense of turmoil, with a sense that things aren’t connected in your life, regular yoga practice can help you reach a deeper, more spiritual and more satisfying place in your life.