Holistic Yoga for All

About Yoga?

YOGA is a holistic system- that takes care of the body, the mind and the spirit. Yoga is the ultimate path by which the highest objectives of life can be accomplished. Ultimately, peace and bliss can be achieved if the body is healthy. Yoga is one of the gentle ways of developing not just on the physical level, but also psychologically and help in keeping an equilibrium in every kind of environment or situation. Regular practice of yoga prepares an individual to improve daily activities, incorporate good food habits, thoughts and conduct.

Yoga asanas help to strengthen all the body systems especially the endocrine system. The endocrine system is vital so that we can control our emotions better through advanced yoga techniques such as relaxation and concentration. Yoga helps us to achieve a relaxed, balanced state of mind which has an essential positive psychosomatic effect.

What are the benefits of Yoga?

Improved flexibility of muscles

Improved range of motion of joints

Improved posture and body alignment

Improved digestion

Improved circulation

Improved immune system

Enhanced function of neurological and endocrine organs

Prevention and relief from chronic pain syndromes

Prevention and relief from anxiety and pain disorders

Prevention and relief from depression

Prevention and relief from sleep disorders

Prevention and relief from chronic fatigue syndrome

Prevention and relief from high blood pressure

Increased peace of mind

Improved alertness and clarity

Increased ability to deal with short and long-term stress

Improved self-esteem

Decreased reliance on drugs

Greater energy and enthusiasm for life

The practice of Yoga

Generally, yoga classes begin with a short period of quiet to slow and prepare the mind, breath and body, followed by limbering moves and sequences to warm up the muscles and joints in preparation for asana (posture) work.

The Asanas

Yoga asanas (yoga postures) are done to improve your physical fitness and to clean the internal organs. Yoga asanas when done correctly give you strength and tone the body. It builds your immunity which helps to fight the diseases and improves the flow of energy, helping to regulate the physical systems of the body and breath, and stilling the mind for meditation.

The asanas used in a class will vary and depend on the abilities of the students. The objective in asana work is not how far you can stretch or contort your body, but to combine stability (stira) with ease/relaxation (sukha).
All movement should be smooth, rhythmic and non-jerky. This is a beneficial technique to overcome your emotions and calm your mind.

In class you are to be focused on your personal ability and you should never take the attitude or approach of competing or comparing with anyone else. All bodies are different and unique, you are unique and so will your practice be.

The practice of Yoga & breath work

We always incorporate Pranayama (breathing techniques) at the beginning of the yoga practice. If you consider, breathing is fundamental to life. Man can live for weeks without food, days without water but only minutes without breathing. Breathing is controlled automatically by a respiratory centre in the brain.

In a yoga class we will practice various breathing techniques to develop awareness and full use of the breath. These techniques are developed into 'pranayama' exercises to help control and move prana (energy) through the breath. Prana means ‘vital’ or "life force energy".

Not all exercises are suitable for those with respiratory or circulatory conditions, so be sure to advise your teacher of any such conditions before you start a class.

Yoga & Philosophy

It is ignorance alone that keeps one from seeing the reality of life. Ignorance alone is the cause of all sufferings. Through the regular practice of yoga, one develops skills and experiential understanding to see the reality of life and appreciate its beauty. When you see the beauty in life, you are able to admire and adore the Creator - the Spirit - God. You see the Divine presence everywhere including yourself. Yoga reveals your devine nature. You form a stronger and more loving connection with yourself which brings fulfilment and a meaningful purpose to life. It is out of this fulfilment that you experience unconditional happiness and are able to share this joy with others.

“If you would foster a calm spirit, first regulate your breathing; for when that is under control the heart will be at peace; but when breathing is spasmodic, then it will be troubled. Therefore, before attempting anything else, first regulate your breathing on which your temper will be softened, your spirit calmed.” Kariba EkKen 17th Century mystic.

“The mind is like a chariot, yoked to a team of powerful horses. One of them is breath, one is desire. The chariot moves in the direction of the more powerful animal. If breath prevails, the desires are controlled, the senses are held in check and the mind is stilled. If desire prevails, breath is in disarray and the mind is agitated and troubled.” Hatha Yoga Pradipika.

Relaxation & Meditation

We begin the yoga class with a meditation to set us up for the class, and always end our yoga practice with a relaxation. This is often when you need a blanket to cover yourself, so you are able to be comfortable in your relaxation as your body temperature drops.

What do I wear to a yoga class?

Something loose and comfortable that allows you freedom of movement. Most students prefer leggings and tops. Yoga is generally done in bare feet but bring socks to wear especially during the relaxation.

What do I bring?

You will need to bring your own Yoga Mat & a blanket (optional).

Why use Props in a yoga class?

Often during a yoga practice when performing an Asanas, some individuals may need to do a modified version of the Asana, due to tight muscles, an individual's ability, and to address medical conditions ranging from pregnancy, back pain to arthritis.

That is when props such as blocks, bricks, straps, blanket and cushion is optional. These can all help in your journey towards improving your asana.

When should you not do Yoga?

• refrain from your regular yoga asana practice especially during your menstrual cycle (PMS) and during pregnancy perform asanas only after consulting your doctor and your experienced yoga teacher.

• Don’t have a heavy meal just before or while doing yoga asanas, wait for at least 2 to 3 hours after eating heavy meals.

• When suffering from fever, weakness or illness or any surgery refrain from Yoga asana practice.

• don’t over-exert your body if you are suffering from fresh sprains, strains or fractures. Rest adequately and only after recovering fully and ensure to consult your doctor before you resume your yoga practice.