Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK, my neuro-surgeon has suggested yoga.  I am a year after having two discs repaired in my L4 and L5 area. In addition, I have had rheumatoid arthritis for the last 20 years or so. I am about 40ish. I have my own ideas on "God" and what is in store for this world. Question, is yoga and religion one and the same? Can one utilize the exercise without calling on the Begawan?(Not meant to be rude) I just want to find an exercise that ‘my’ body can do without making it hurt more. Thanks for your time in replying to this inquiry.

Absolutely, you can do yoga without the "religion" aspect. If all you want is the exercise you can take yoga at a gym or "Y" where it is offered as an exercise class. That said, I still would encourage you to find a small yoga studio where classes will be offered for your specific level. Most good yoga instructors will offer you the spiritual side, but will not demand that you accept it (if they do, think charlatan). Especially since you have a unique situation, you want a studio small enough where you can interact with the instructor(s) and they will be able to offer you unique instruction, even in the context of a class. But I would also encourage you to close your mind to the spiritual side. Much of what is good in yoga has to do with the way it changes our outlook on our body and our life in that body. You’ve already said you have your own ideas about "God," here is a chance to build on them, fine tune them. If you are like me, you won’t just adopt what the instructor tells you, but use it to hone your own beliefs. Good Luck and welcome to yoga! David

Response:

Howdy! re: Yoga & Religion. They are basically the same thing but with vastly differing areas of focus. Religion (for the most part) is a search outside of one’s self. Yoga is a search within yourself. Yoga is a very personal thing and there is no dogmatism or doctrine that you must conform to. Everybody is different so everybody’s search is probably unique — you’ll be AMAZED at what you will find in there! My personal opinions here are based on my personal experiences and insights, not on something learned out of a book. If what I said seems to clash with what the rest of the world "knows about yoga" then it just proves my point. That’s what yoga is TO ME! IMO: That’s the difference between learning about yoga and practicing yoga. — Dave

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