One day while on a walk, Conner noticed a wonderful pavilion in Soldier's Field that no one seemed to be using. It was a gorgeous location, a beautiful covered deck with lots of trees and the grass neatly mowed. It was a perfect spot for yoga. So, yoga classes began with a handful of students. Information about the classes spread through word of mouth, and announcements made via e-mail.
Since then, Delta Yoga has continued to grow and class size is generally in the range of six to 12 participants. As the weather turned cooler the group moved inside to a room that First Methodist offered them in their education building. Now they meet there regularly.
Yoga is a 5000-year-old discipline that utilizes the mind and body connection. Yoga practice contain the central ideas that physical posture and alignment can influence a person's mood and self-esteem, and that the mind can be used to shape and heal the body. On the physical level, yoga postures are designed to tone, strengthen and align the body. On the mental level, yoga uses breathing techniques and meditation to quiet, clarify and discipline the mind.
Yoga practitioners claim that the strengthening of mind and body awareness can bring eventual improvements in all facets of a person's life. Yoga provides the same benefits as any well-designed exercise program; increasing general health and stamina, reducing stress and improving those conditions brought about by sedentary lifestyles.
"Classical yoga is separated into eight limbs, each a part of the complete system for mental, physical and spiritual well-being," Conner said. "Four of the limbs deal with mental and physical exercises designed to bring the mind in tune with the body. The other four deal with concentration and meditation."
There are five major types of yoga, he said, all with the same goals of health and harmony but with varying techniques: Hatha, raja, karma, bhakti and jnana. Conner teaches Hatha yoga, which is the most commonly practiced branch of yoga in America. It is a highly developed system of physical postures, movements and breathing techniques.
A typical hatha yoga routine consists of a sequence of physical poses, which are designed to work all parts of the body, with particular emphasis on making the spine supple and healthy and increasing circulation. Each pose is named for a common thing it resembles, like the cobra, locust, plow, bow, eagle and tree to name a few. During a yoga routine there is often a position in which to perform quiet contemplation or meditation.
Today, yoga in the United States is thriving. A recent Roper poll, commissioned by Yoga Journal, found that 11 million Americans do yoga at least occasionally and six million perform it regularly. Yoga stretches are used by physical therapists and professional sports teams, and the benefits of yoga are being touted by movie stars and Fortune 500 executives.
Many prestigious schools of medicine have studied and introduced yoga and meditation techniques as proven therapies for illness and stress. The Coahoma County Community College has hired Conner to teach two classes a week on Thursday afternoons.
Yoga can be performed by those of any age and condition, although not all poses should be attempted by everyone. It is a good activity for those who can't go to gyms, who don't like other forms of exercise or have very busy schedules. Yoga should be done on an empty stomach, but a light snack is OK before class.
Loose and comfortable exercise type clothing should be worn, and you will be barefoot. Delta Yoga provides all the equipment including mats, blocks, blankets and belts, which are used to position students into proper alignment. Students are encouraged to get their own yoga mats so that they can begin practicing short routines at home. The benefits of yoga will become obvious after one begins to practice. As with any activity, the more one practices the more obvious the results.
Delta Yoga's mission is to share yoga with anyone who wants to learn, thereby increasing the overall wellness and peace of mind for people living in the Delta. A great way to start a yoga practice would be to come to Delta Yoga's 5:30 p.m. Monday beginner's class, which begins on Jan. 8 and runs for eight consecutive Monday nights. The cost is $5 per class. Class size is limited so call to reserve your space. Ongoing classes are held 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays and at 11 a.m. on Saturdays for non-beginners. Private instruction can also be arranged.
The classes meet in the First United Methodist Church education building located at the corner of Sharkey, directly across the street from Covenant Bank.
Conner, a native Clarksdalian, and the son of Dr. Van Burnham and the late Barbara Burnham, returned to Clarksdale in 2001 after spending 10 years in Santa Fe, N.M. He is a certified meditation teacher through CSA in Lakemont, Ga., and is completing his hatha yoga accreditation with the Yoga Alliance through Midtown Yoga in Memphis.
Anyone interested in attending classes may join the mailing list by e-mailing Conner at Connerburnham@aol.com or calling him at 662-627-1955.