De-stress and revitalize with yoga
By Margaret Murray
The French theorist Jacques Derrida once claimed that the "center" which governed all universal structures existed within and outside of itself. The outcome being a world in which there is no center, that "the center is not the center." Obviously, Derrida had not experienced yoga. The concept behind this sweeping phenomenon ranges from health benefits to overall well being; in essence, finding your center.
In today's high paced, stressful environment, we often find ourselves gasping for air, trying to find a time to decompress, attempting to get rid of that pounding headache, or looking forward to old-fashioned relaxation. Spare time is more often than not filled with thoughts of what we should be doing instead of enjoying these valuable moments.
A common manifestation of stress is through migraine or cluster headaches. According to the American Medical Association, at least 26 million Americans suffer from at least one form of these serious ailments. While many of us at Santa Clara might not be severely debilitated by mind-numbing headaches, there are certainly other stress related aches that we must endure. I have had a pain in my neck for the last four years that I largely contribute it to the requirements of the English department.
Amongst yoga gurus and enthusiasts, it is widely believed that the regular practice of yoga can reduce bodily aches and pains. Concentration on breathing, so prominent in yoga, is thought to reduce muscle tension since muscles tend to relax when you exhale. During an hour long class, awareness of breathing helps to achieve calmer, slower respiration which aids in relaxation and pain management.
Yoga experts may swear by their claims, but I needed to experience it for myself. Embarking on my first yoga journey in years, I made my way to the Pat Malley gym. Knowing I had just gorged myself on Cracker Barrel cheddar, Kraft Easy Cheese and Wheat Thins, my awareness that I had already disobeyed the yoga diet based on raw foods and cleansing, did nothing for the confidence in my flexibility. But I was stressed out- I'm in college.
The class began with the sounds of monastic chanting while we slowly began to stretch and breath, bending and reaching, trying to find our center. The movements of the poses were fluid and unstopping, making my heart pump and arms quiver. The instructor, Amy Carlow, was attentive and soothing as she walked around the room, correcting poses and giving words of soft encouragement.
Halfway through class, she changed the music to African pygmies and informed us that we would be working on finding our balance while improving arm strength. Balance? I thought to myself. I can hardly find my center. The poses which followed were straight from Cirque de Soleil and I found I could only watch while sitting cross-legged on the floor as the instructor's defined, svelte biceps and shoulders flexed as she held herself elevated above the floor in the manner of David Blaine. Her determination, discipline and calmness were awe inspiring, and I sat, mouth agape, making a mental note that I needed to become a yoga guru.
At the end of class, my arms and legs felt like noodles. My mind was clear and as I breezed out of class on little light feet, I got to thinking about yoga, and its development in India 5,000 years ago. Yoga literally means "union" and teachers of this practice emphasize it as a system of living designed to promote health, peace of mind, and deeper awareness of ourselves.
I decided that the ancient Yogis had the secret to life unlocked long before the West. Their perspective is a breath of fresh air in this polluted valley and chaotic world. If you are ever in Malley this spring, sign up for a class, and while you're at it, ditch the over-the-counter pain relievers. They are futile against the powers of your center.