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Definition of Health

by Viki Distin

It was the year of 1998 and my sons were six, four, and one. We decided to do the thing that many parents do (that are able and willing), we went to Disney World. We were standing in one of those mazey, zigzaggy lines and I found myself draping my body over the steel railings, propping my feet on the bars, and leaning on my husband whenever possible. This particular ride had 90 minute waits and I was annoyed because I was uncomfortable and tired. At that time in my life I was considered physically fit by most peoples standards. Aerobics, weight training, treadmills, and stair steppers filled most of my workouts. So here I was, a supposedly physically fit mother of three standing in line at Disney World barely able to stand up straight.

Recently I read a list of "less well known" yoga benefits in Awakening the Spine, by Vanda Scaravelli. One of the benefits which awakened my interest was, "Yoga will enable you to stand on your feet for long periods of time without getting tired". Flashing back to my experience at Disney World, I began to question is what the definition of health and fitness?

B.K.S. Iyengar, a respected yogi, offers a very broad definition of health: "A perfect state of equilibrium, harmony and concord with the physical, physiological, moral, intellectual, and spiritual health of man". This definition may be more holistic and comprehensive than the average person cares to embrace. However, I do think it is helpful for people to contemplate what is the intention for their exercise.

As a yoga teacher for over six years I have seen students transform their physiques. I have seen students lose weight, straighten out their postures, and receive incredible muscle tone. However, the primary intention behind a yoga practice is functional strength not cosmetic strength. Health and vitality are primary motivations to begin a yoga practice. The reasons why yoga improves your overall health are numerous. The asanas (postures) are known to balance the respiratory, circulatory, nervous, hormonal, digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems perfectly. Yoga creates symmetry throughout the body. Students learn how to focus physical and mental energy more effectively making them more vital, creative and efficient in all activities. Because a yoga practice can create an ease in the body and mind, this "ease" can go a long way towards building immunity. Even the word disease can be viewed as dis - ease. In practice, yoga approaches the job of restoring health and harmony in two ways: by removing obstacles that block our path, and by revealing the unshakable presence of peace, awareness, and joy within.

A consistent practice cannot guarantee that a person will never get sick. However, I am convinced that yoga is one of the best prevention methods known to man, not to mention how it can improve my next trip to Disney World!