The History of Yoga
Yoga, a spiritual and physical practice improving one’s physical and mental health, has thousands of years of history. According to an article on the Ministry of External Affairs for the Government of India, Shiva, the first yogi, shared all of his learnings to his sages, who then carried the core message of the practice to different parts of the world. As a result, the practice spread around the globe and became one of the most popular spiritual practices people implement today.
Some assume that yoga is simply a therapy and exercise to improve one’s fitness and health. However, it’s far more than that. For many who practice it, the ultimate goal of the practice is to harmonize themselves with the universe and develop an intimate sense with their bodies, minds, and surroundings.
World Yoga Day
World Yoga Day falls on February 22nd this year. According to Days of the Year, Samira Radsi, a yogi living in Germany, started the holiday several years ago. The purpose of this holiday is to promote a greater vision of the practice and harness the power of yogis all over the world to help victims of human rights violations.
Apart from practicing on this obscure holiday, yoga lovers worldwide will spend the day focusing on human rights causes. Participating yoga studios will hold a two-hour session on that day. People who join the session will concentrate their thoughts and energy on thinking about victims of human rights violations. They believe that their energy will turn into support and positivity to those affected by these abuses.
Local Yoga Studio – Mysore & Ayurveda Las Vegas
Mysore & Ayurveda Las Vegas, home of Ashtanga yoga and Ayurveda medicine, has provided the perfect place for yoga lovers to practice since 2018. Carrington Sobeck and Jennifer Knox, the founders of Mysore & Ayurveda Las Vegas, shared their stories of opening their own studio.
“Ashtanga yoga has been the foundation of my life. The practice helped me understand myself and how I fit in the world. Ayurvedic medicine helps me live my healthiest life to pursue my practice,” they said. “My reason for opening was to introduce others to these two traditional practices.”
When asked about any meaningful things they derived from starting up the studio, they said, “It helped me form new connections with people and watch them pursue the path of yoga and Ayurveda.” Sobeck and Knox also thought that the practice is becoming more popular globally. As a result, more people know about the practice, and they’re willing to try it out in their spare time.
With the trend thriving, starting up a studio is a good idea for entrepreneurs who’re devoted to the practice at the same time. Although starting up a business is full of sweat and tears, it’s also rewarding and meaningful. You can form a tight connection with other yoga-lovers in the city, share your experiences with beginners, and most importantly, promote the practice to more people while helping them build a healthier lifestyle. If you love the practice and would love to spread the philosophy of it in your community, joining a group or starting up a studio may be a new path for you to pursue.
Thoughts From Yoga-Lovers
Enchanted Forest Reiki Center, a Vegas center offering reiki, shamanic healing, and other methods, also provides yoga sessions every Tuesday and Thursday. Karen, an employee working at the center, expressed her love towards yoga when I asked about her experience practicing it. She said, “I have been doing yoga for six years now. After doing [it], I feel lighter, and both physically and mentally better.”
When asked about what she derived from the practice, she shared that she’s become stronger since starting it. “I lost weight and also built awareness with my own body. Yoga is such a holistic practice enabling people to feel better, control their movement, and pay attention to their breath,” she said. “It doesn’t jar your body, so it’s suitable for many people.” Karen now practices three times a week, including at home with some DVDs assisting her movement and gestures.
Vegas Yoga, the largest boutique hot yoga studio in town, opened in 2012. Marie Acain Grillo, the studio manager, has been a profound yoga-lover since 2004. When asked about the reason driving her to start practicing, she said, “It’s mainly a health reason. I was tight from doing computer work at the time, so I started doing yoga to relieve my stress. I also wanted to gain flexibility.”
She also shared that her favorite thing about the practice is its community. “When I started…, I met a lot of like-minded friends,” she said. “They are all extraordinary people who love doing yoga.” Marie now practices four to five times a week.
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A Good Practice to Strengthen Your Body
When asked about the benefits of yoga, most of the interviewees said that it helped them strengthen their bodies and meet a large group of friends. Just like other hobbies, it can help you enlarge your social circle. Practice at home by watching tutorials online, or go to a local studio in your community to receive professional guidance and assistance from teachers in the studio.
No matter where you practice, it’s crucial to keep in mind that safety is always the top priority. Remember, you’re on a date with yourself, so listen to your body when it tells you that you’re pushing too hard or that you’ve stretched as far as it can go. It’s good to challenge yourself, but don’t hurt yourself in the process. Time and practice will help you improve your flexibility, as well as your breath. If you encounter difficulties while practicing, please find a professional teacher for help.
Looking for Something an Extra Fun?
If regular yoga isn’t enticing enough, consider Goat Yoga! Pairing goats with the traditional practice, Goat Yoga LV provides a unique, fun, and relaxing experience to those looking for something new in their self-care routine. Book a class by visiting their website and checking out their upcoming sessions. Follow Goat Yoga LV on Facebook and Instagram to hear about upcoming classes, volunteer opportunities, and other news posted to their social media pages.
