Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual discipline, originating in India.
The goal of yoga is attainment of spiritual insight and tranquility, creating a mediative practice.
Yoga improves health, helps reduce stress, increases strength and flexibility. Its good for the cardiovascular system, improving circulation and it offers inner peace.
My classes generally include:
Asana - 'Posture' this is one of the eight limbs of classical yoga, which states that asana should be steady and comfortable, firm yet relaxed. When in the posture the breath should be slow yet deep. You should feel a good stretch but with out pain, strain or fatigue. Within the practice I like to work on alignment, stretching, strengthening and toning muscles, joints and bones. Each posture has a healing effect on the body.
"Do your practice and all is coming" Sri K Patthabi
Pranayama - (Prana/energy or breath control)
Breathing affects our state of mind, It can make us calm, tense or relaxed. It can make our thinking confused or clear.
In yogic tradition, air is the primary source of prana (life force).
Pranayama is used as a separate practice to help clear and cleanse the body and mind. We also use it in the postures to help maximize the benefits of the practice and to focus the mind.
"When the breath wanders the mind also is unsteady. But when the breath is calmed the mind too will be still, and the yogi achieves long life. Therefore, one should learn to control the breath" Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Relaxation - Release of tension, a return of equilibrium. It gives our body an opportunity to unwind and can improve our day to day living. It slows the heart rate, reduces blood pressure and increases blood flow to the muscles.
"You can not always control what goes on outside. But you can always control what goes on inside"
Meditation - Focusing the mind, becoming aware of our thoughts and allowing them to slow down. Taking a journey within. A clear spiritual understanding of yourself, developing your positive qualities.
Meditation enables us to feel from the heart and be true to our original self.
"The body is your temple, keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in" BKS Iyengar
As a result of yoga you will hopefully experience
- More energy
- Better sleep
- Enhanced immunity
- Increased concentration
- Smoother emotions
- A clearer mind
- An understanding of our true nature and our higher state of consciousness
"Yoga is a light, which once lit, will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter the flame."
- B.K.S. Iyengar
