Archive for February 24th, 2009

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

On a worldwide scale, many people practice Hatha Yoga daily to compensate for chronic stress.  While anxiety and stress are nothing new to humankind, this recent state of economic instability, and uncertainty, has caused people from every part of the world to worry about the economy.

At the same time, people are taking a pro-active stance toward their health.  During the Great Depression, many people resorted to alcohol instead of seeking a positive solution.  In contrast, it is encouraging to see the number of people, who are seeking alternative health methods to deal with overwhelming stress. 

The level of education today has resulted in more rational solutions, when people consider methods for relief of worry.  The age groups, who practice Hatha Yoga, cover the entire spectrum.  There are Baby Yoga, Mommy and me, and Chair Yoga classes.

During the course of a week, I see students from 5 to 101 years of age.  In comparison to alcohol, Yoga is very inexpensive.  The cost of a Yoga class is about the same, or less than, two glasses of wine at a local restaurant.  In contrast to consuming alcohol, it is safe to drive home after a Yoga class.

Low levels of stress cause many different aches and pains.  Headaches, back pain, neck pain, cramps, and an upset stomach are common ailments, which often result from too much stress.

High stress levels can cause many serious health ailments.  In fact, chronic stress can kill you.  When constant stress attacks the body, you may have high blood pressure and heart palpitations as a result of it.  Over the long term, heart disease is a potential by-product of constant stress.

However, many Yoga students have done their research about the benefits of preventative health.  The results of a steady Yoga practice tone the body and clear the mind.  So far, nobody has been able to produce these same results by drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

Lastly, your mind is your most valuable asset in any economy; but in the worst of times, we need clear heads to prevail.  This is not the worst of times for most of us, but it’s certainly not the best of times either.  Yoga allows people to find some relaxation, despite the new economy.

Your mind has to be able to relax in order to find solutions for a variety of problems, which each of us face on a daily basis.  Hatha Yoga is a path which leads one toward training the mind to find solutions.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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