How to do Yoga Virginia?

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Military men and women returning home from active duty, of all eras, are faced with enormous stressors as they learn to re-adjust to civilian life. PTSD as a result of war is an especially toxic form of trauma. Mental health practitioners are learning more about the benefits of yoga practice and the positive correlation toward re-gaining emotional control over the body, releasing tension, increasing self-efficacy through relaxation, decreasing stress, and improving overall physical and emotional health.

Physically, moving gently through the postures and engaging in flexibility and balance exercises helps strengthen the muscles that have been weakened from a lack of movement and can ease muscle tightness.

Mentally, yoga trains the practitioner to turn their attention to the present and slow down the mind with the use of mindful breathing. By focusing on deeply inhaling and exhaling through different postures, the mind begins to center and relax.

Over time, yoga decreases emotional reactivity and reminds the practitioner that even though they cannot control external events, they can control their reaction. Yoga gives the tools to become self-healing.

What is yoga?
Yoga is a mindful and physical discipline that includes breath control, simple meditation and the adoption of specific bodily postures. It is widely practiced for health promotion and relaxation.

I’m not flexible – can I do yoga?
Yes! Many think they need to be flexible, but that’s thinking you need to be able to play golf to take golf lessons. Come as you are; yoga practice will help build strength and flexibility. This newfound agility will be balanced by coordination and enhanced cardiovascular health, confidence and overall well-being.

How is yoga different from stretching or other kinds of exercise?
Yoga is unique because the movement of the body, fluctuations of the mind and rhythm of breath are synched during practice. Connecting these help direct attention inward with heightened sense of moment-to-moment experiences. Through this process, we begin to learn and recognize our chronic, often negative thought patterns. Only then can we begin to change those belief systems. The awareness cultivated is what makes yoga a lifelong practice with continuous improvement.

Is yoga a religion?
Yoga is not a religion. It is a philosophical practice developed in India about 5, 000 years ago. Yoga sometimes interconnects other philosophies such as Hinduism or Buddhism, but it is not necessary to study those paths in order to practice yoga. It is also not necessary to surrender your own religious beliefs.

What do I need to begin?
All you need is your body, mind and a bit of curiosity. It is also helpful to have a pair of comfortable pants or shorts you can easily stretch in, and a fitting t-shirt. No special footgear is required since you’ll be in socks or barefoot. VA will have mats and other props available for you. This is a drop-in class, so a referral from one of your providers is not needed.

Will I have a co-pay?
There are no co-pays for attending the yoga class at Milwaukee VA. Therefore, travel pay is also unavailable.

What day and time is the class, and where do I go?
The outpatient veteran-only yoga class is every Tuesday at 4:15 p.m. It’s located in Room B105 of Building 43 on the Milwaukee VA grounds. It is best to park on the VA grounds and walk over to the building or use the map to the right to locate parking.