What's so cool about yoga and mindfulness?
Before we get going on the 'why', let's take a brief look at the traditions of the yoga practice. The earliest recorded history of yoga dates back to as early as 3300 B.C. Yes. 3,300 B.C.E. The practice is ancient. The root word of yoga is 'yuj' meaning 'to yoke',  'to join', 'to unite'. The practice of Asana (meaning posture), was traditionally used in preparation for and in congruence with: Pranayama (breath control), Dharana (focus or placement of the awareness) and Dhyana (meditation). Pranayama, Dharana & Dhyana are only 3 of The 8 Limbs of Yoga  described in The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, an ancient sanskrit text on the practice of yoga. Asana is the 3rd limb of The Sutras. The 8th & final limb of The Sutras is Samadhi (absorption). Samadhi is a state of pure consciousness in which the practitioner achieves self- realization, eternal bliss and ultimately oneness with all of creation. Historically all 8 limbs of yoga were practiced in order to reach Samadhi. There is so much more to the rich history and tradition of yoga, but this gives you some basics. For the sake of simplicity, we'll use 'yoga' to refer to the practices of asana, pranayama, dharana and dhyana (posture, breath control, concentration and meditation).
So....Why would YOU want to practice Yoga?
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       Whether you're looking to reach supreme consciousness, heal the body/mind, or you just want to look and feel your best, all are possible on the yogic path. Many people begin a yoga practice to get in shape, cope with illness and disease in the body/mind, or just because they're curious. You don't have to be set with the intention of levitating or becoming a supreme being. You don't have to sacrifice your livelihoods to enjoy a regular yoga practice. Your path in life will unfold in its time, and whatever reason you're looking to practice is your very own. Yoga doesn't ask you to give up your faith. It beckons you deeper into your humanity. It's also really good for you. Below is a list some of the  proven benefits of practicing yoga. You will quickly see how a regular practice can greatly improve your life, health & overall well-being; as well as why yoga's been around so dang long.

Yoga can help to...
  • Boost immunity
  • Reduce chronic pain & inflammation
  • Improve heart health
  • Promote sleep quality
  • Improve flexibility & balance
  • Improve breathing
  • Boost your mood
  • Ease anxiety and depression
  • Bring the nervous system out of fight or flight and back into a state of rest and digest
  • Decrease negative response to, and the effects of stress
  • Heighten your sense of connection to your community
  • Increase the ability to be compassionate
  • Improve the ability to self-regulate emotions
  • Increase focus, attention, memory, and the ability to multi-task
  • Increase strength & endurance
  • Promote a healthy lifestyle
  • Have fun!
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