More on Yoga

Yoga is not to be confused or viewed as a form of gymnastics, prayer, ritual, or religious belief. Nor is yoga limited to any one culture, tradition or religion. Yoga is a universal and systematic process to experience the highest states of human awareness.

The word Yoga comes from the word Yuj which means to "yoke" or unite. In practice, Yoga is a step by step process that develops and transforms the practitioner. For the beginner, yoga develops health and vitality. It provides the strength to handle the everyday challenges of life while bringing harmony to the individual and the environment. It develops vital health and wellbeing while removing stress, tension and anxiety. As one deepens the practice, one starts to awaken their dormant potential and awaken to their true natural state of inner peace, contentment and balance in all areas of life.

Below is a description of some of the practices that we do at the classes and will provide a good foundation for your journey into yoga.

At the classes we practice mostly a combination of Hatha and Kundalini Yoga.

Yoga postures strengthen, stretch and bring vitality to the whole body. They are taught in a gentle, safe and gradual fashion. There are asanas for people of all ages and states of health to be enjoyed according to individual capability. Although physical in nature they have a meditative quality when performed with awareness and induce a profound sense of well-being. They eliminate energetic blockages, tone and harmonize all the body systems and organs.

Techniques that utilize the breath to purify, regulate, channel and awaken the life force within the body and mind. Breath is the vehicle of life force and source of our vitality. Pranayama assists in the process of inducing relaxation, concentration and inner peace.

Various meditation techniques are available to suit differing needs. All calm the mind and develop awareness, concentration, self control, serenity and confidence. They also deepen understanding of the nature of the mind and lead to a realization of the essence of our inner nature and being.

A progressive and systematic form of deep relaxation. It is also a form of meditation which has a powerful transformative effect on the mind, emotions and psychic energies. This is a very popular and effective practice!