The practices of yoga are designed to guide us towards an experience of Yoga. Derived from the Sanskrit root “Yuj,” meaning “to yoke, or join,” the experience of Yoga is freedom from the feeling of separateness, creating a mind blowing sense of intimate belonging. The original recorded experiences and teachings of yoga arose in India, some scholars say as early as 3000 B.C.E. We can trace the evolution of teachings through the texts of the Vedas, Upanishads, Yoga Sutras, and the Bhagavad Gita. The physical practice of yoga (asana practice) gained traction in the West in the 20th century as a means to attain health, beauty, and counter the effects of aging. And yet, no matter the reasons for practicing, a magic occurs through the practice of yoga. As the usual tensions relax, a deeper inquiry arises, sparking a quest to discover our true nature, allowing life to be richer and more wonderful.(yogaanytime)