For me, practicing yoga is simply a means to stay healthy by building and maintaining Mobility and Stability in both your body and mind. Keeping your physical body flexible and strong is especially important as we age. Balancing poses train you to stay focussed while being Aware of our environment. This does not mean that you need to be able to stand on your head but that you can avoid falling over and getting hurt when something comes at you unexpected. And the physical part of the exercise is a great stressbuster as well. What you Improve in your body also benefits your Mind. When you practice, your Focus is Inward. You learn to Listen to what your body is telling you, to use your Breath to control your thoughts and emotions. Over time you transfer Focus, Balance, Strength from the mat to your daily life - achieving a calm, composed and resilient mind = Equanimity.