Once in a while, a new student comes through the door, seeking asylum from stress. He or she may have arrived due to a medical, psychological, or friend's referral, but the biggest step was walking through the door. Our Yoga studio is seen as a haven from the pace of life outside the walls.

In fact, stress is so automatic in our society, that people can be consumed in it, while going to any new place, including visiting my Yoga studio in Attleboro, for the first time. Once he or she is made comfortable, we can then discuss the causes and solutions to his/her stress and anxiety attacks.

People often wonder why Yoga became so popular worldwide. There are many reasons for Yoga’s popularity, but the world needs solutions and Yoga has them. People are caught up in the global epidemic of stress and anxiety.

“Finding yourself,” “chilling out,” self-realization, transformation, and living a quality life, are catchy phrases, but these are a handful of the many benefits of Yoga practice. What surprises the public most is that there are many styles of Yoga, and many different approaches to health problems.

Yoga is a science of life, which takes the full view of mind, body, soul, and emotion. Yoga, and its sister science, Ayurveda, find holistic solutions for the entire being without side effects or a precision attack on part of the body.

The combination of breath, exercise, meditation, relaxation, diet, and many more Yogic methods, develop an awareness of what is important in life. Being part of the “rat race” is not for everyone.

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: