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What is yoga and what happens in a class?

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The yoga that I teach has evolved over the years to become a steady, mindful practice, informed by listening within, but also founded in a respect for traditional practices and understanding of anatomy and physiology.

I place value in small movements, trusting one's own body, always practicing with respect for one's own intuitive and bodily wisdom. This is not about trying to achieve anything, or fit into a practice, it is about meeting ourselves as we are, unfolding and opening, and experiencing how the practice can serve us.

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Yoga is a holistic system aimed at creating balance and therefore health and well-being, in body, heart and mind. It's ancient tried and tested techniques have been around for well over 2000 years.

For some people Yoga is also a spiritual path (though NOT a religion) aimed at developing awareness and evolving our consciousness so one can live to one's fullest potential and be freed from conditioning and habits.

Modern science and research has proven yoga's effectiveness in combating many imbalances (dis-eases) of the physical and physiological systems.

 

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Yoga practices

For holistic and well-rounded experience, that supports body, heart and mind, i include all of these in my classes.

• Asana (physical movements and positions)

• Pranayama (breathing)

• Meditation (seated or moving)

• Yoga nidra (relaxation)

• Mudra (physical gestures that affect the mental and emotional systems)

• Chanting

• Kriyas (cleansing)

• Bandhas (physical gestures that release energetic blockages)

• Philosophical study: aimed at developing self-awareness and giving guidance for “right” living.

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The Eight Limbs

The Yogic system and philosophy is based on what are known as the 8 limbs, as described in the ancient text of the Yoga Sutras of Patanlali.

1. Yamas: guidances for living in the world.

2. Niyamas: guidances for our relationship with ourselves

3. Asana; physical positions or movements

4. Pranayama: movement of breath and energy (Prana)

5. Pratyahara: turning inwards, a quietening of sensory distraction

6. Dharana: a state of awareness described as concentration, or the ability to chose the focal point for one's attention e.g. giving all of one's attention to a flower

7. Dhyana: a state of awareness whee the relationship with the object of one's attention deepens to the point of merging e.g. a sense of not being separate from the flower

8. Samadhi: a state of oneness and complete absorption, non-duality, non-separateness. Pure meditative awareness.

While i use many of these practices and guidelines in my weekly classes, for more in-depth experience i recommend attending a workshop or retreat.

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Who is it for?

Anyone, whatever your age, flexibility, fitness level, mobility, social background, can practise yoga.

There is a yoga system and teacher to suit everyone. There is no such thing as being 'good' at yoga! it is more than an exercise class, it supports physical, mental and emotional well being. For some it can also be a spiritual practice (though not a religion).

Sometimes if you have a particular condition to work with, one-to-one work might be more suitable for you, however i can suggest adaptations of practices during classes to suit your level of experience and personal needs.

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Benefits of yoga.

Based on many research programmes worldwide, yoga's benefits are being documented as having positive effects on many of our physical and mental processes. It is a way of maintaining physical health, but has also been found to support chemical balance in the body, and of course has that well -known “feel-good factor” that supports stress relief, positivity and all round well being.

(ref: https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/count-yoga-38-ways-yoga-keeps-fit)

1. improves flexibility

2. builds muscle strength

3. perfects your posture

4. Prevents cartilage and joint breakdown

5. Protects your spine by keeping the discs supple

6. Betters your bone health through weight bearing

7. Increases your blood flow

8. Drains your lymph and boosts immunity

9. Boosts your heart rate

10. Balances your blood pressure

11. Regulates your adrenal glands (thereby balancing hormone release e.g. Cortisol – the stress hormone)

12. Makes you happier – aids release of stress relieving and pleasure hormones. Regulates nervous system

13. Supports a healthy lifestyle

14. Lowers blood sugar

15. Helps you focus and improves concentration

16. Relaxes your system

17. Improves your balance

18. Maintains your nervous system

19. Releases tension in your limbs / muscles / connective tissues

20. Helps you sleep deeper

21. Boosts your immune system functionality

22. Gives your lungs room to breathe

23. Prevents or supports management of IBS and other digestive problems

24. Gives you peace of mind

25. Increases your self-esteem, boosts confidence, develops inner strength

26. Eases and helps with management of pain

27. Builds awareness for transformation, thereby developing the ability to create positive change in your life

28. develops friendliness, compassion, and greater equanimity

29. links body and mind, thereby increasing potential for mental and emotional regulation and healing

30. develops inner guidance (“intuitive inner wisdom”)

31. encourages self care and care for others

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