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Yoga is for Everyone


“Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open.” - B.K.S. Iyengar


T


here’s a common myth that you must be in the best shape of your life to do yoga. Many people may look at yoga


and say, “I could never get into that pose.” Please remember yoga is about coming to your mat and bringing flexibility to your mind and spirit. I first started practicing yoga on a regular basis at about 300lbs. As you may imagine, it was very dif- ficult to sit still, to bend over and to create a flow with my obese body. It was a process that worked with my mind as much as my body. Learning to breathe deeply and stay centered was a challenge for me eleven years ago. Coming into poses was an op- portunity for me to come to the present mo- ment and release old grief that was stuck in my cells. Over the course of five years I was able to create a new energy around me, a flow, and a peace. This not only transformed my body as I shed over 150lbs but my spirit became crystal clear. I was on the journey inward to whole- ness, wellness and transformation. Embark- ing on yoga school and becoming a teacher was one of the most profound experiences of my life. This ten month process of study- ing yogic texts while processing asanas allowed my body to shine inside and out. If you want peace of mind, more love and kindness in your life, consider coming into a yoga pose, taking a yoga class, coming to your yoga mat in your living room and allow the depth of this ancient practice to hold you in a timeless place. Coming to your mat is about coming to


your self. In yoga there is no competition, it’s simply an opportunity to deepen into each pose and stay present within your cells and self. Assuredly with a regular practice you will feel more joyful maybe even child like.


Yoga postures in artifacts have been


traced back to 3000 B.C. The beauty of the postures across centuries has offered a deeper sense of peace to those who have surrendered to their mats and opened their bodies and mind to flow into divine har-


32 Essential Living Maine ~ July/August 2014


mony. The word yoga is the union of the self with the self.


One aspect of yoga many people forget


is the breath. We barely breathe to stay alive and when stress and worry enter, it often causes people to hurry and hold their breath. When we breathe more deeply into the body it has countless benefits including increased energy and happiness. Studies have shown that practicing


yoga helps your body in the following ways:


• Adds more oxygen to your cells • Gentle twists help detox your organs and release toxins


• Lowers your risk of heart attacks • Lowers blood pressure • Improves your well being


• Clears the mind and centers the being • Boosts your immune system • Increases metabolism • Strengthens your core • Reduces anxiety and stress


This July the Maine YogaFest (MYF) will


showcase diverse yoga styles and celebrate the healing and peaceful power of yoga. We live in an area where there are many op- tions for yoga and the classes for all levels. Why not give yoga a try? Still not


convinced? I can remember being so afraid of attending my first class. The following thoughts raced through my mind: Would people wonder why a 300 pound lady was there? Could I do the poses? Would I pass out? Would I be good enough? What happened was I was greeted with open hearts, smiling faces and encourage- ment. I offer this to my students as well, an open place, an opportunity to deepen, to relax and surrender to each moment. It can help to still your body and open your mind and spirit.


Melissa Boyd is an International Medium, Business Strategist and Yoga Teacher. Her practice is based in Kennebunk, ME. www. deepbluetruthnow.com. See ad on page 27.


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