This article was originally published in March 1999 |
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Ananda Yoga Comes to the Valley |
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Something new is being offered at the Minden Medical Center: Ananda Yoga. Teaching the class is Dennis Parsons, A certified Ananda Yoga instructor who has been involved with Yoga for more than 30 years and who has taught Yoga at several prestigious fitness centers, private clubs and schools throughout the United States. He is also a published writer who is currently authoring a book on Yoga as an everyday lifestyle. |
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Ananda Yoga is one of the oldest, purest forms of Hatha Yoga in practice today. What sets it apart from other forms of Yoga are its gentle transitions from posture to posture, its visualization and affirmation techniques and its various breathing methods, called “pranayams,” which aid in the ease and effectiveness of the postures themselves. |
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“There are several forms of Yoga to choose from in this country,” Parsons says, “but many are difficult to do, and some of the newer, more popular fad Yogas can actually be harmful to the body. Ananda Yoga is easy, and it’s designed for all ages and all physical conditions.” |
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Ananda Yoga is more than just a physical exercise, it is a total balancing of the body, mind and spirit, and it is capable of transforming one’s whole perspective on life by gently retraining the body to feel good about itself again. |
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Parsons is fond of telling his students, “I’m the Jack La Lanne of Yoga, only not as old.” And he strongly believes in the effectiveness of Yoga. |
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“It doesn’t make any difference if you’re six years old or 86, this is the one form of Yoga that anyone can do and benefit from,” he says. |
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At Minden Medical Center, the classes are designed to meet the individual needs of each student. |
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“I teach Yoga,” Parsons emphasizes. “I don’t just sit there and smile a lot while playing pretty music. I move you in and out of the postures. I tell you what each posture is designed to do. I also suggest specific routines to meet the individual physical needs and limitations. |
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Parsons’ advice for his students? |
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“Accept yourself where you are right now,” he says. “Progress in Yoga is directional. This is not a competitive sport. It’s a cheap and easy way to gain incredible health and vitality. Come visit us!” Here are
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