What is the difference between yoga and just plain stretching and normal exercise?
First and foremost we are really working with the mind. The physical postures are tools that we use to focus the mind. The physical benefits are there, yet they are really the side effects to the real purpose: which is a steady, alert, focused mind and a grounded, connected, relaxed state of being. When this state of being becomes more integrated into your life off the mat your whole life experience changes as you are able to deal with life and the stress of life in a much more gracious way. It is really something that has to be experienced and felt to be fully understood.
