Yoga Life

 Many years ago while pursuing a degree in counseling, I interned at a state mental health center as one of my practicums. The format of the center included individual therapy and group therapy as well as a selection of classes designed to enrich and augment the therapy process.

One of the classes I assisted in was yoga.  It was the first time I was exposed to Hatha Yoga. I used this ancient practice not only in later counseling treatment but in my own personal life. It was truly a life-altering. The teacher, Diana Alstad, received a PhD from Yale and was a professor at Duke University in the Humanities before changing course to pursue yoga, write, and do workshops full time. This brief bio doesn’t begin to cover her accomplishments since.

Although I haven’t always been faithful in my practice, it has remained a constant in my life. I truly believe that continued practice, whatever your level, can insure better health and a longer life. It has been a gift and I strongly encourage anyone and everyone to try it at least once.

In finding a teacher, my recommendation is to rely on word-of-mouth. If you try one class and the teacher pushes you too far, too fast, you’re in the wrong place. It is for everyone regardless of their level of flexibility, age or strength.

Another misconception is that yoga is for the “woo-woo,” hippie set. Nothing could be further from the truth. It’s for anyone who wants better health.