Why “And Now, Yoga”?

The phrase “And Now Yoga” is significant to many yogis.

Estimated to be written between 500 and 200 B.C., the Yoga Sutras began with this half sentence. The Yoga Sutras are an ancient text compiling the primarily oral teachings, or sutras, of yoga. The author of this “manual” to yoga is Patanjali, who is often referred to as the father of modern yoga.

Patanjali chose to start this guide on how to create a union of the body, mind, soul, and spirit with this deceptively simple statement: “And Now, Yoga.” Why? What does he mean? These questions lead to much discussion and study. For some, it means that one cannot truly live yoga until they have given up attachment to an external “something” to complete their life. Once you reach the realization that material things and certain accomplishments are not the answer, then you are ready to reap the full benefits of yoga.

My take on “And Now, Yoga” in a daily sense is a little simpler. We all have our responsibilities, worries, hopes, desires. We go from day to day with these things on our minds. Work, family, friends… What I want for my studio is for you to walk through the doors and be able to set all of that aside. Take a deep breath, let go, and pull your focus inward. Focus on you. Take care of you. Find space for you.

Work? Check.

Family? Check.

Friends? Check.

And now, myself.

And Now, Yoga.

~Jessica Spragg