Yoga Makes Me Feel Good!

I LOVE Yoga!  Why?  Because it makes me feel good.  And that is what makes me want to share it with Everyone. When something lifts me up, it gets even better when other people are lifted up with me – it becomes something we do together, something we experience together.  After writing these first few lines, I saw the daily email from the motivational speaker, Esther Hicks.  This is what she said:

The best you can do for anyone is to thrive fully and be willing to explain to anyone who asks how it is that you are thriving, and what it is that you’ve discovered – and then, just relax and trust that all truly is well. 

This message arrived with perfect timing. Yes, Yoga makes me thrive.  Even as I age (71 years old now), my body, mind and spirit are getting healthier.  My body is flexible and yet strong, my mind is more under my control making it easier to navigate the ups and downs of everyday life; and my spirit has never felt so connected to my Higher Power.

In addition to the nearly daily practice of Yoga – meaning the postures (Asanas), breathing techniques (Pranayama), Japa (mantra repetition) and meditation (sitting quietly to still the mind) - I read. There are 2 main Yoga texts that have helped me tremendously.  Somehow both texts are genuinely ancient, yet completely timeless in their application to today’s world.  One is the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali which explains the goal of Yoga (essentially Bliss) and then gives us the instructions on how to reach it (the Science of Yoga).  My favorite translation/commentary is entitled The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Sri Swami Satchidananda. The second text is the Bhagavad Gita.   To me, the Gita is a book of questions and answers on the most profound topics concerning being a spiritual being while living in a human body.  I have 2 favorite books that translate (from Sanskrit to English) and comment on the Gita:    The Living Gita by Sri Swami Satchidananda and The Bhagavad-Gita Handbook by Koti Sreekrishna and Hari Ravikumar. Maybe you will find these books or others helpful and inspirational.  Once you get a taste for how wonderful life can be, there is a deep unending desire to know what it is and how to do it. Sometimes we need to go deeper to get higher.

Yoga began thousands of years ago, yet its benefits are more relevant than ever. In our busy 21^st century world that moves so fast and keeps us constantly plugged in to some device, Yoga offers a return to balance for our body, mind and spirit. Whether you're brand-new to the mat or have been practicing Yoga for years, understanding why Yoga makes us feel so good can deepen your appreciation and love of your personal Yoga practice. 

While preparing this blog, I wanted to be sure to mention the most important health benefits of Yoga. In doing that research, I found the information below - which spells out how Yoga helps us thrive.  I agree with what it says, and frankly it explains it better than I could.  So, I will simply share it with you. Love to All and May You Thrive!  

1. Yoga Builds Strength Without Strain

Yoga strengthens the body in a uniquely gentle but effective way. Instead of high-impact movements, your muscles engage through controlled, mindful transitions and sustained postures.Benefits include:

• Increased muscle tone

• Healthier joints

• Better bone density through weight-bearing poses

• Functional strength for everyday activities

Yoga builds strength from the inside out, supporting your core, stabilizers, and posture muscles.

2. Yoga Improves Flexibility & Mobility

Most people start Yoga wanting to become more flexible—and they usually see results quickly. Regular practice stretches tight muscles, lubricates joints, and improves overall mobility.Over time, you may notice:

• Easier movement

• Relief from stiffness

• Reduced back, neck, and hip pain

• Better posture

Flexibility isn’t about touching your toes—it’s about moving through life with more ease.

3. Yoga Reduces Stress & Calms the Nervous System

This is one of Yoga’s most celebrated gifts. Through breathwork and mindful movement, Yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system—the “rest and digest” state.This leads to:

• Lower stress hormones

• Better sleep

• Reduced anxiety

• Mental clarity

Yoga encourages you to slow down, tune in, and let your body find calm again.

4. Yoga Supports Heart Health

Many studies show Yoga contributes to better cardiovascular health. A consistent practice can help:

• Lower blood pressure

• Improve circulation

• Reduce inflammation

• Support healthy cholesterol levels

Even gentle forms like restorative Yoga have heart-healthy effects.

5. Yoga Enhances Balance & Coordination

As we age, balance becomes essential for safety and confidence. Yoga strengthens stabilizer muscles, sharpens focus, and improves body awareness—key components of healthy balance. This benefit is especially noticeable in standing poses and slow, mindful transitions.

6. Yoga Boosts Mood & Emotional Well-Being

Yoga is not just a workout—it’s a practice of presence. By connecting the breath with movement, Yoga helps release tension held in the body and quiet the mind.Many people report:

• Feeling more grounded

• Improved mood

• Increased self-compassion

• Greater resilience

It’s a moving meditation that nourishes mental health.

7. Yoga A Whole-Body Approach to Wellness

What truly sets Yoga apart is its holistic nature. It’s not just physical exercise—it’s a complete practice that nurtures your body, mind, and spirit.Regular practitioners often experience:

• More energy

• Better digestion

• Enhanced immunity

• A deeper sense of inner peace

Yoga meets you exactly where you are and grows with you.

Go Ahead and Thrive with Yoga

You don’t need to twist into a pretzel to receive Yoga’s benefits. All you need is a mat, and a willingness to breathe and move with awareness. Whether you’re practicing for strength, stress relief, flexibility, overall health or spiritual growth, Yoga offers a path toward greater well-being. Go ahead and THRIVE!