Yoga according to Poulos

Proper exercise, in yoga style, helps to develop strength but also flexibility.

“Health is when you have all the systems functioning harmoniously under intelligent, conscious control,” Michael Poulos said.

Proper breathing is one of the most important things “yogis” can do. Too often, when people become stressed or upset, they may breathe shallowly and quickly. A series of slow and rhythmic breaths may help to alleviate stressful situations.

Relaxation is different from “being lazy,” he added, noting proper relaxation focuses upon how to recharge the body.

“Tension and stress are big problems in our culture and a lot of it is because we haven’t learned how to recharge properly,” he said, noting if done properly, yoga teachings on relaxation can help tame stress.

Last on the list are proper diet and positive thinking and meditation.

Yogis believe food can affect the mind and consciousness and practitioners recommend a gradual shift in dietary habits that focus upon natural, whole and unrefined food.

Positive thinking is not only about seeing the glass as half full, but that students should have their own underlying philosophies. Yoga would attempt to reinforce those beliefs, while meditation attempts to allow students a way to focus their minds.

“From the yoga point of view, everything originates as a thought in the mind and anything you do in life, it all comes back to the ability to focus, to concentrate.”

Poulos has developed a series of weekend workshops and will host an intensive course for beginners this weekend at the Stone Door Yoga Center, which also has a library for research. For more information about yoga or the workshops, call (931) 692-2350 or toll free at (866) 631-0062.