As the New Year approaches, journey into the world of self-improvement and personal growth and consider adding a new skill to your repertoire — one that nurtures your body and cultivates inner peace and mindfulness. Enter yoga, a practice that has become a cornerstone of physical and mental well-being throughout the centuries.

The ancient art of yoga offers a sanctuary for those seeking balance, flexibility and a deeper connection with themselves. PBS invites you to join the countless individuals who have embraced the transformative power of yoga.

This article serves as your guide to the profound journey of learning yoga as a New Year's resolution. From its rich historical roots to its countless benefits, we'll explore how this age-old practice can be a beacon of positive change in your life. So, roll out your mat, take a deep breath, and let the journey toward a more centered and resilient self begin.

These programs and resources can be found at PBS.org or on the free PBS app.

Yoga is a 5,000-year-old system of mental and physical practices which originated in India. It includes meditation, breath work, philosophy, exercise and provides many lifestyle benefits.

Yoga's history is rather complex. There are hundreds of resources that both agree with and disagree with one another regarding the origination of yoga. Today's yoga practices are the result of the merging and development of philosophies over thousands of years, including Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

It's estimated there are about 16 million yoga practitioners in America today. Whether it's the spiritual, mental or physical benefits, there's something for everyone in the practice of yoga.

Balance is a core component in Yoga — your feet, in particular, are key to balance poses. Yoga Basics with Patty provides foundational information for beginner yoga practices. In this episode, Patty shows how to loosen your toes and relax your feet. She helps the student to feel alignment lying down (Supta Tadasana) and still in the reclined position she instructs the alignment of Tree (Vrksasana). Patty then brings the student to his feet for the full Tree Pose. Coming back to the floor for Happy Baby (Ananda Balasana) and Corpse Pose (Savasana).

Yoga with Miss B: Tree Pose

Get comfy, cozy and ready to find equilibrium in your life. From Blackspace, Miss B shows us tree pose, a yoga pose that can help you find balance and stay calm. Tree post, or vrikshasana, calms and relaxes the central nervous system and stretches the entire body. It strengthens the legs, opens the hips and improves neuromuscular coordination and endurance.

About Camp TV: This series features educational hands-on activities, performing arts, movement, nature and animal content, science, literacy, virtual field trips and more – everything five to nine-year-olds love about summer camp, all led by the enthusiastic fun-loving counselors Zing, Zach, and Mia. 

Travel through atmospheric environments and custom soundscapes with Yndi Yoga. The series helps viewers bring their bodies and minds to optimal health, while also nourishing the soul. The series features 13 half-hour episodes designed to improve one’s mental and physical wellbeing. Watch the Yndi Yoga series on PBS.org or the PBS app.