Yoga the Joining of the Body and Mind

General Purpose: To Inform
Specific Purpose: By the end of my speech the audience will understand the different types of yoga and what they are used for.

Thesis Statement: The art of yoga is a very complex technique that teaches one correct breathing exercises, uses meditation techniques, and provides an outlet for any emotion through physical activity.

Introduction: The real meaning of yoga is a deliverance from contact with pain and sorrow, -Bhagavad Gita. Bhagavad Gita is a very old Indian text and became very prominent in Hindu tradition. This text is a message of spiritual wisdom; the name meaning Song of God. The word yoga derives from the Sanskrit term yui meaning to join. Generally yoga is the joining of the body and the mind. While I do not do yoga for any religious reasons, I quite often use yoga as a stress reliever and a form of meditation. In addition to these uses, I also will use yoga to relieve migraines, ease back aches and anxiety, and even use other types for a nice workout! With my speech audience members and myself will demonstrate various yoga poses and techniques. In addition to this I will teach about the do's and don't's of yoga, the various uses, and the history behind yoga!

(Transition: First I will start by showing you a short clip of a yoga video. This video shows a very basic and common yoga routine used to start off your day right! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMV4Nq6jpu0 0.0-1.29)

I. Yoga was first originated in India as a spiritual release and form of meditation.

A. India
B. Bhagavad Gita

II. There are many different types and purposes of yoga.

A. I will be talking about 7 of the very many main paths of yoga.

1. Bhaktispiritual path of yoga
2. Hathaflexibility, strength, etc
3. Jananauses a path of knowledge, wisdom, etc
4. Karmaattitude of selflessness, release of ego, etc
5. Mantraincludes spiritual chants, songs, etc.
6. Rajayoga on a path of awakening, enlightenment
7. Ashtangachallenging and strengthening

B. There are also different styles of yoga and combinations of yoga poses used for different reasons, these may include:

1. Hot yogaloosens muscles and promotes greater flexibility
2. Prenatal yogaused for moms-to-be
3. Power yogaused more for burning calories
4. Yoga to ease muscle and joint pains
5. Yoga to relieve migraines
6. Yoga to relieve menstrual cramps
7. Yoga to loosen muscles
8. Morning yoga to kickstart your day
9. Bedtime yoga to relax your body so you can sleep easier

III. Different types of yoga may include a variety of props. You will need these certain materials as well as certain clothes to have the best yoga experience possible!
A. Loose fitted clothing that you are able to move freely in
B. Socks with some exceptions

1. People like socks for hygiene purposes
2. Not helpful in some positions

C. Music
D. Yoga balls, blocks, ties, etc. are very useful with certain yoga poses
E. Yoga mat
F. Healthy diet!!!

(Transition: Now that we have learned the history of yoga and seen an example of a basic yoga exercise, it is your guys' turn to try it out!)

IV. Now I will have someone from the audience demonstrate a couple simple yoga poses

A. Tree pose (Vrksasana) (balance)

1. Slowly bend down and grab right ankle
2. Bring the right foot up and place it on the inside on your left thigh
3. Lift your arms above your head and then gently put your hands together
4. Hold for 30 seconds

B. Revolved Easy pose (Parivrtta Sukhasana) (stretch)

1. Sit on a folded blanket
2. Cross legs
3. Sit up straight
4. Place left hand around your back to touch your right hip
5. Place your right hand gently on the outside of your right knee
6. Softly twist your body to the left
7. Hold pose for 10 breaths
8. Repeat for the right side
9. Crescent-moon pose (Anjaneyasana; also known as salutation pose) (back stretch)
10. Kneel on your mat
11. Step forward with your left foot
12. Extend your right leg back from the knee with the top of your foot facing down
13. Reach your arms up straight and fix your eyes on the ceiling
14. Lean into your position
15. Hold for several breaths (about 15 seconds)
16. Repeat with opposite leg

(Transition: Now that you guys have learned the basics of yoga and a few yoga poses, lets recap!)

Conclusion:

Today I have taught you all about the basics of yoga! We talked about the origination of yoga, including a portion of the numerous paths and styles of yoga. While doing so you discovered the many purposes and benefits of yoga, including types from challenging/strengthening yoga to yoga that is used to relax the muscles and the mind. Yoga is used to ease anxiety, anger, stress, muscle aches and pains, and headaches. As well it is used for a great form of physical activity, burning calories, and increasing flexibility. It truly is the joining of the body and mind. I introduced to you guys 3 different yoga poses: tree pose which is used for balance, the revolved easy pose which is used for stretching, and the crescent moon pose which is used for a back stretch as well as flexibility. Now that you all know the basics of yoga you will be able to perform this incredible technique anytime and anywhere; whether it is in a class, at the park, or in your room, for 5 minutes or for 45 minutes!

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