Ageless Yoga with Marnell Farley

Yoga in the desert for everyone

During our study and practice of hatha yoga, we should remember that yoga's purpose is not limited to improving some chosen aspect of our lives — yoga and sports, yoga as therapy, yoga for this or for that.

Yoga can help us reach these worthwhile goals. But they are not yoga's purpose.

The poses (also called the asanas), essential as they are to hatha yoga, are not its purpose, either. Their practice is only a tool used by hatha yoga.

Hatha yoga is a way of learning to be completely in our selves in the present, of quieting our too-distracted, unquiet minds. It is a physical meditation.

With time and practice, we learn to focus and to integrate and balance the different aspects of our selves. We begin to overcome some of our self-imposed limitations and delusions.

If we then re-examine yoga's purpose, we find that the goal of yoga is yoga.

To begin solving that riddle, remember that the word yoga means "union." The ultimate purpose of yoga becomes union with the object of our ultimate desire, whether spiritual self-knowledge, or our growing knowledge of a universal spirit.

FOR MORE THAN TWENTY-FIVE YEARS I've studied and practiced hatha yoga, the school of yoga that emphasizes body work and meditation. During this time I've been most influenced by two teachers, the yoga masters Ana Forrest and B.K.S. Iyengar. In 1999 I completed my formal teacher training with Ana Forrest.

I CONTINUED DEVELOPING MY SKILLS AS A SENIOR INSTRUCTOR at the Seattle Holistic Center, where I taught the popular workshop Heal Your Back, among others. While there, I worked with the widely recognized teacher Collette Crawford and continued my formal training, attending workshops and master classes.

SINCE BEGINNING MY WORKING RETIREMENT IN THE PALM SPRINGS AREA, I've taught at private and public resort spas, including The Reserve Country Club and the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa. Additionally, I have a growing list of private students.

I ENJOY BRINGING THE BENEFITS OF YOGA TO REAL PEOPLE WITH REAL NEEDS, both beginning and seasoned practitioners, here in the Valley.

DURING MY YEARS OF TEACHING YOGA I've witnessed people's struggles with body issues, including my own. From these experiences, I've become committed to helping my students become aware of those hidden injuries and physical patterns commonly caused by trauma or simple habit.

WE BEGIN WITH A PROGRAM OF BASIC POSTURES to start getting in shape and re-connecting with our bodies. Where appropriate, we follow the Iyengar method, using blocks, blankets, and chairs to support us. I teach the classic yoga poses and their proper form, emphasizing the body's core, on which all else depends.

I ENCOURAGE MY STUDENTS TO WORK TO HEAL THEMSELVES in a safe, supportive environment. I carefully watch to ensure that they do not push too hard and risk injuring themselves. The poses we do should never be uncomfortable — yoga is always done with mindful control.

IF SOME OF THE YOGA POSES LOOK DIFFICULT, TAKE HEART — I am a grandmother and mother of three grown children. The yoga we do is suitable for all body types and all ages. You are never too old to begin!

YOGA POSES AND THE FLOWING MOVEMENT BETWEEN THEM, synchronized with conscious breathing, form the heart of a successful yoga session.

YOGA'S BENEFITS ARE MANY AND WELL-DOCUMENTED (browse a few of the links on my resources page). Physically, you will find yourself with improved posture, flexibility, strength, and stamina. Following from these are inevitable psychological benefits, including improved energy, stress-handling, concentration, and tranquility.

YOGA IS NOT ABOUT PUTTING YOUR FOOT BEHIND YOUR EAR. It is instead a rejuvinating process that will lead you to a new awareness of yourself and fresh view of the world.