Yoga At Ascension Healing Arts Center
What Is Yoga?
Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word Yuj which means to yoke/unite – an individual with their Higher Power or the God of their understanding. By practicing yoga, you can connect with your body, mind, and spirit for awareness and healing. Â
Yoga is a centuries-old practice documented approximately 2,500 years ago by Patanjali, a spiritual teacher who wrote the Yoga Sutras, sacred texts explaining yoga and how to live the life of a yogi, for example. Yoga Sutra 1.2 states that yoga chitta vritti nirodah, which means yoga is the cessation of the fluctuation of the mind. Â
Pantanjali indicated that there are 8 limbs of Yoga –Â
- Yamas – self-restraints
- Niyamas – Code of Conduct
- Asanas – postures
- Pranyama – Breath
- Pratyhara – Withdrawal of Senses
- Dharana – Focused Concentration
- Dhyana – Meditative State
- Samadhi – Bliss
 By consistently practicing yoga, the practitioner becomes free of suffering and finds bliss.
What is the practice of yoga at Ascension Healing Like?
Certified Yoga Teachers provide healing through breathing and movement- all yoga classes are geared toward physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing. There are also monthly workshops to help deepen your practice and healing with the Ascension community. Â
It is not necessary to be a regular practitioner, know any Sanskrit, or have lots of experience exercising. Yoga is for all shapes and sizes, new students, intermediate students, and seasoned practitioners. Every time we get on the mat, we have a different experience in our body, mind, and soul.Â
What are the yoga classes like, and why should you practice at Ascension Healing Arts Center?
The teachers are daily yoga practitioners dedicated to continuously learning about themselves and connecting spiritually. Yoga at Ascension is open to all levels as the teachers guide you through awareness of breath and conscious breath with movement. Â
The mindfulness and physical practice will help you continue your healing journey to practice off the mat in your work, family life, relationships, and other places throughout your life. Â The teachers will have classes and workshops that align with the 8 limbs of yoga for inner healing and to spiritually connect with your Creator, God, Goddess, Universal Spirit – or however else you call your Higher Power.Â
What are some benefits of practicing yoga regularly?
Reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression are some of the immediate, noticeable benefits. Consistent practice allows the student to have a higher awareness of self and of their spiritual creator, calming the mind amongst the storm – or being able to acknowledge the “monkey mind” without having to react to situations – the student begins to respond to life situations and find inner peace. Â
Other health benefits include weight loss, reduction of insomnia, increased self-esteem, self-acceptance, and love for self and others. The regular student begins to live the life of yoga by consistently deepening their practice as it relates to the 8 limbs of yoga. If you have trauma, PTSD, or suffer from addictions such as eating disorders, shopping, debting, underearning, alcoholism, gambling, and/or drug abuse, the regular practice of yoga will help you heal, find your inner truth, connect with the God/Goddess of your understanding. Â
We have different classes that rejuvenate and energize you and allow you to relax and find inner peace.
Do I have to have good balance to practice yoga?
No, we welcome everyone to the studio. Each time we practice, our body changes sometimes based on what we ate earlier in the day, how much sleep we received, and situations in life. Falling helps us get stronger. We get stronger every time we try.
What should you bring to yoga class?
Ascension Healing Arts Center has yoga mats for your use, but all students are free to bring their own. Yoga is a breathing practice, and your teacher will guide you on your journey for each class. There are some classes, such as yoga nidra or guided meditation, where you may bring your own mat, pillows, and blankets.Â
Do I have to be able to bend myself into a pretzel to do yoga?
No – come as you are. Each time we come to the mat, we experience different sensations and connections. If you decide to focus on your breath while lying on your belly or back, for example, you are practicing yoga. It is an inward journey – personal to you. Â
Our yoga studio is a sacred space for individual healing while sharing our fellow yogi’s energy. The different poses come with time, and our breath will open up space in our mind, body, and soul for physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual healing.
