Yoga Is Not Just Stretching

This book was developed to support an introduction to yoga study, for those who may not have any ideas about the breadth and depth of yoga teachings. My hope was to create clear information as a foundation to studying yoga. Some of the information crosses over to other areas of research and expertise (like positive psychology and kinesiology), but from my perspective these studies are all a part of yoga.

My understanding is that yoga is a living thing. It is constantly growing and changing with the times, adapting and integrating to best support the evolution of the student. There is a strong history to sup-port basic yoga ideas and practices. This history is not stagnant, but rather a template for exploring the human condition. To me, the ultimate goal of yoga is to give us tools to reduce our own suffering and increase our capacity for joy. Please understand that the following information is a snapshot in time. The teachings shared in this book are derived from ancient teachings of yoga philosophy, integrated with modern sciences, and developed as an introduction to the complex and varied field of yoga. Each topic has the potential for deeper study. Hopefully it gives you some ideas about how to increase your understanding of the body, breath, and mind as well as tools to evolve toward your best self.