Yoga Journal 9

 Kaitlyn Gonzalez 

Weekly Journal 9

GIS-4636-091

November 6, 2020 

    When it comes to yoga, there is a vast array of different definitions. Depending on where you go, the definition of yoga is ever-changing. In the west, the definition of yoga is vastly different from the definition in the east. For example, in the west yoga is more defined by its physicality rather than its spirituality. It is seen as an exercise and way of working out, and not a way of connecting with your higher self and your body. On the other hand, yoga in the east can be more defined as something of spirituality, and more of a lifestyle that you live day today. When it comes to defining yoga within the practice space, things can get defined differently. For example, in the west, it is commonplace that you go to a yoga studio and take a class with other people. That is how yoga is defined in the west and how it is practiced. That is the norm here, even though it might be far from the original origins of yoga and its history. 

    These connections are made within the practice space and the group because oftentimes the spirituality of yoga is brushed over. Yes, in some classes that I have been in spirituality seems to be at the forefront, but deep down it is truly about the look and the body that you might one day achieve if you keep practicing yoga. As I learn more in this class about yoga and spirituality overall, I am able to better understand that these classes, while in no fault of their own, brushed over the important aspect of yoga that truly makes it all: spirituality. Some classes that I've been to don't even mention spirituality, or simply say things that sound spiritually-based when they really aren't. I think that when you explore and learn about the true origins of yoga, you are able to redefine and make new connections towards yoga. You are able to connect to the deeper meaning of yoga and once again, with yourself. 

    This week, we practiced with the Yoga Hive, with Jenn. We practiced Sivananda practice. This focuses on more yoga defined as an exercise, which very well fits the narrative of yoga classes in the west. This practice focused on bringing breathe into the center of the body, and the releasing of tensions within the body which I thought was important. I think that you can hold a lot of unknown tension in random spots in your body just from your daily living and daily stress. When we stress, we sometimes hold that stress in areas of our body, and then it stays with us, making us tight and uncomfortable. I'm glad that Jenn mentioned that because I find that I struggle with that and having tight limbs. I was able to enjoy this practice because of that and I was able to stretch out that tension in my body. Jenn also put an emphasis on mediating, taking care of the body, and eating good foods. Even though these may seem like small things, we often forget to take care of ourselves and sometimes need a gentle reminder. I also liked the fact that she kept bringing up that different poses bring us into different perspectives. I never really heard that before, and I thought it was an interesting way of looking at things and how you can practice yoga. In a way, not only physically, but yoga and the spirituality of yoga changes the way we think about the world around us and our perspective on things. Overall, this might have been one of my favorite classes that we have had in this class because of her warm heart and her perspective on the world around us. 

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