Spring Break
Breathe Easy
One MSU organization focuses on physical, mental unity
Sarah-Dale Simpkins
Issue date: 2/1/08 Section: News
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"Yoga, if you take it literally, is a Sanskrit word which means union, and the ultimate reason to do yoga is to join the body and the mind," said Aneva McMinn, who teaches hatha yoga in the Sanderson Center.
The hour-long sessions, which are held Mondays and Wednesdays at 5 p.m. in Studio C, begin with a short meditation. Students sit straight back so that their spines are aligned. They keep their eyes closed and focus on taking deep breaths. Every part of the body is stretched out, from the toes to the neck. The object is to reach complete relaxation and awareness simultaneously, McMinn said.
McMinn points to yoga, which originated in India 5,000 years ago, as the oldest science of life, and credits improved posture, balance and breathing technique as just a few of the benefits gained from its practice.
"You breathe in rhythm with your movement, or ujjayi [a type of yogic breath]," she said. "It's a deep breath that starts in your diaphragm. When you inhale, your stomach goes out, and when you exhale, your stomach goes in."
Before moving to Mississippi, McMinn lived in Greece, where she taught yoga for eight years. She was instrumental in starting Yoga Moves at MSU three years ago. The group is open to anyone interested in yoga.
"Yogic breathing increases vital energy and concentration, and this practice can become part of the students' lives," McMinn said.
Yoga Moves president Glenna Wasson started doing yoga in high school when her physical therapist told her how wonderful it made her feel.
"My favorite part about yoga is how good it feels to give my body a good stretch, particularly stretching my legs, because I used to play sports until I hurt both of my knees," Wasson said.
Wasson describes yoga as stretching the body while maintaining union with the mind.
Barry Youngblood, a fifth year physics major who has been practicing yoga for nearly two years, finds it to be a sanctuary in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
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