The world as we see it is becoming exceedingly stressful. There has been a tremendous increase in people reaching out to experts to help solve their problems and establish some inner peace. An overdose of all sorts of medication, and all those wellness programs haven't really proved to be worthwhile. Of course, we can't change everything around us suddenly, and many just can't get away on a vacation every year to relax themselves.

So how do we manage to get that inner peace anyway? Is it for the privileged? Is there a way for everyone to experience a less stressful and more exciting and fulfilling life? Yes there is. Yoga provides a one-in-all solution, a method for relaxation, bringing harmony within and a balance to your life. Yoga means the union of body and mind. Traditionally a Hindu practice, it is not a religion but a philosophy of live. It makes the yogi (the practitioner of yoga) connect himself with his spiritual self, which apparently is the missing element in our daily lives, hurling us into a constantly chaotic life that we live in. It is a journey to become one with the universe, at peace with one's surroundings, and develop an understanding on how to manage one's life.

There are five different forms of yoga and for maximum benefit they should be practiced together. The four mental yogas are Bhakti yoga (emotions), Gyana yoga (wisdom), Raja yoga (meditation) and Karma yoga (actions). The one physical yoga is called Hatha yoga.

Although there are many aspects of yoga that we can discuss, here we talk the practice of yoga for the purposes of instruction, and attaining a higher level of excellence, recognized by a certification.

Today, there are over 30,000 yoga instructors and thousands of studios in America that help individuals achieve enlightenment through the practice of yoga. The focus is on a combination of basic relaxation exercises, which include breathing, stretching and meditation. These help in developing the core, inner strength and will power, rather than working on superficial muscles.

The yoga instructor is addressed as ‘acharya’. To reach this level, there are certain criteria and requirements to meet.

Yoga Alliance is a central body supporting yoga institutions and instructors, its integrity and diversity, and practice in the United States. Their mission, as mentioned on their website states "Our mission is to lead the yoga community, set standards, foster integrity, provide resources, and uphold the teachings of yoga".

The Alliance offers certifications based on completion and exhibition of practice and understanding the concept of yoga. A primary level certification is offered to those who have completed a 200 hour training program, and a secondary certification for those who have completed a 500 hour program. On completion, the yoga instructors can call themselves "Registered Yoga Teacher", and also add the acronym RYT after their names.

The yoga trainings are designed to be flexible, thus lasting anywhere between two weeks or a few months, depending on the program that the prospective instructor has signed up for. As we mentioned earlier, yoga is a philosophy; hence, the instructions of yoga are not merely a matter of understanding moves or stabilizing a posture. The program includes the development of the mind, by understanding and learning the history of yoga, the postures, the benefits of yoga and the basic elements for relaxation and attaining oneness.

The program is divided into five courses or segments, starting from theory, leading to practice, and leading to the practical application of the knowledge acquired, through internships. The Yoga Alliance has a country wide standing and those aspiring to become yoga instructors are always advised to seek the certification, which basically guarantees the quality and understanding of yoga that the instructor can deliver. They can then their practice to the advanced levels of yoga, which are Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga and Kundalini Yoga. With regular practice it is the aim of the program to reveal the wisdom of yoga to the practitioners.

Yoga Alliance certifications are not just a milestone, but a step forward in bringing oneself to perfection through a lifelong training and learning process, thus continued education and practice leading to enlightenment and enhanced wisdom, with practice and time. It requires the instructor to regularly practice yoga him/herself, at least 3 to 4 times a week, and not limit to postures, but understand the core essence of yoga, and making it a way of life.

The intention of every yoga instructor is to channel the soothing sound of ‘Om’ to each practitioner helping them in exploring themselves, their inner path, and the unlimited potential for healing and wholeness that lives in the reunion of mind, body and soul.