Yoga, is the kind of wellness practice, that when done on a continuous
and regular basis, actually creates a specific set of physiologic
changes that are wholistic/holistic in nature. These changes, decreased
heart rate, decreased blood pressure and rate of breathing, reduce
stress and create in the body, is what Dr. Herbert Benson, MD/Harvard
Medical School labeled, The Relaxation Response.
Several studies have documented the poor health conditions that exist
in the black community. Obesity, diets high in cholesterol, diabetes,
teen pregnancy, drug addiction, prostrate cancer, hypertension, minimal
to no exercise, lack of access to adequate health care, etc, etc. There
are several factors that have contributed to this downward spiral:lack
of accurate health information, lack of interest in health matters,
lack of financial accessibility to health care facilities, familial
belief systems that are counter to healthful practices, and an
economic, social, and in some instances, educational climate that does
not promote healthful practices in the black community.
If for no other reason than to pass on a healthful living model to
their children, it would be optimal for black women to practice yoga.
There is a cultural historical basis to the practice of yoga. Krisna
Kaur, an African-American woman and Founder of the International
Association of Black Yoga Teachers, Inc., and Kundalina Yoga Master, in
the 1999 Yoga News publication pointed out, "the main disciplines of
Yoga which are known in India today were also practiced in ancient
Egypt and developed by the indigenous cultures of ancient Africa. It
was called Samai, then later changed to Sema or Samai Taur, which
translates to Egyptian Yoga. Many scholars and visitors [of] modern day
Egypt have remarked on the similarities between ancient Egyptian
clothing, artifacts and traditions with those of the far east."
Yoga is subtle. The individual who practices regularly will begin to
notice that several areas in their physical and emotional life begin to
shift---begin to improve. There will be an awareness of your own
presence in your interactions with others; there will be increased
restfulness and sleep-filled nights, and the obvious, more muscle
flexibility and the increase in cardiovascular health.
What is Yoga?
There are several definitions of yoga; primarily, because it is such a
varied practice with a comprehensive system and extensive philosophical
base. The Eastern definition of yoga finds the sanskrit root word yuj
to mean to yoke or join together. The African definition of yoga is
that it is an ancient Nubian science that uses postures, exercises and
meditation induces the Relaxation Response, that Dr. Benson, MD coined
in his textbook.
Yoga is a science that is spiritual/ philosophical and physical in
nature. These two aspects, the spiritual/ philosophical and the
physical, are the most notable. The spiritual aspects of yoga are it
ethics, morals, meditation, prayers, chants, focus, concentration and
purification/cleanliness. The physical aspect is the various
asanas/postures.
So, in essence, yoga is the joining together of the mind, body, and
spirit into a balanced oneness with the self and the universe. It's
ultimate purpose being to help the practitioner realize his or her own
humanity and bring that understanding to all levels of interaction with
others.
Why Black Women should practice Yoga:
Black women should practice yoga because of the health benefits and the
internal qualities that it induces. Krishna Kaur, Founder of Yoga
for Youth -- Your Own Greatness Affirmed, Inc.
, provides us with an excellent model for developing healthy children
and strengthening our families. The following eight processes are:
* Right Understanding
What goes around, comes around. What I give is what I get.
* Right Intention
To realize the power of your intention. When the intention is to live in harmony with yourself and others and the environment, then you make this intention important.
* Right Speech
Words have the power to heal or to hurt, to create something beautiful or to
destroy. Choose your words carefully. Seek to speak
the truth as you understand
it. Refrain from gossip, lies, harsh and mean-spirited language. Choose words
that uplift, nourish, and help others to feel good about themselves.
* Right Action
Do your best knowing that there is Greatness within you. What you do reveals
who you are.
* Right Livelihood
Choose to earn a living in a harmonious, righteous, pure and good
way-----honestly, peacefully and without causing harm to others.
* Right Attitude
Discipline the mind to keep a balanced point of view. Clarity. Avoid worry, doubt,
laziness, restlessness and impatience. Learn how
to play dodge-ball with the
negative messages in the mind. Meditate.
* Right Mindfulness
Understand that thoughts create your reality. Stay aware of the state of your
mind-----become aware that the whole world and how
you understand it begins
with the state of your mind.
* Right Concentration
Understand that to bring these principles of yoga into focus, you must channel
your mind. Must keep your eyes on the prize. Through meditation, one can
experience serenity, bliss, and the power of awareness and self-knowledge.
Additionally, for more information on
the practice of yoga, I recommend reading Sacred Woman: A Guide to healing the feminine body, mind, and spirit, by Queen Afua and The Complete Illustrated Book of YOGA by Swami Vishnu-devananda.
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