This site and Content © Paul Bailey 2012-
About Yoga
What is Yoga?
Most people think Yoga is all about bending and twisting your body into strange contorted shapes. If this is you then think again! Yoga is much more
What we now know as Yoga originated many thousands of years ago in India and has been passed down over the centuries. The word Yoga originates from the Sanskrit word Yug -
Around 2000 years ago an Indian Sage, Patanjali, collated and wrote down the practice of Yoga in the form of a series of short statements known as Sutras. The “Yoga Sutras of Patanjali” serves as the guidebook for all the practical and philosophical aspects of Yoga as we practice it today. Patanjali also outlines the Eight Limbs (Ashtanga) of Yoga which are to be practiced:
Yamas The Restraints such as Non-
Niyamas The Observances such as Cleanliness, Contentment and Self Study
Asanas The Physical Exercises to develop and maintain the bodies health
Pranayama The Control of the Breath
Pratyahara The withdrawal of the senses
Dharana Single pointed concentration
Dyana The practice of meditation
Samadhi Liberation and Enlightenment
Of these, most modern Yoga classes concentrate on the Asanas, introducing the other limbs as the students progress.
Most modern forms of Yoga can be Traced to the teachings of Sri T Krishnamacharya who was born in 1888 and died in 1989. His pupils including TKV Desikachar, BSK Iyengar, Pantabi Jois and Vanda Scaravelli are largely responsible for bringing Yoga to the West.
What’s in it for Me?
There are many benefits of the practice of Yoga including:
The Practice of yoga gives great benefits to not just the body but also the mind allowing you to enjoy a perfect state of health and wellbeing
Is Yoga Different to Stretching or other Fitness Classes
Unlike stretching or fitness, yoga is more than just physical postures. Yoga is unique because we connect the movement of the body and the fluctuations of the mind to the rhythm of our breath. Connecting the mind, body, and breath helps us to direct our attention inward. Through this process of inward attention, we learn to recognize our habitual thought patterns without labelling them, judging them, or trying to change them. We become more aware of our experiences from moment to moment. The awareness that we cultivate is what makes yoga a practice, rather than a task or a goal to be completed. Your body will most likely become much more flexible by doing yoga, and so will your mind.
Is Yoga a Religion?
Yoga is not a religion. It is a philosophy that began in India an estimated 5,000 years ago and it sometimes interweaves other philosophies such as Hinduism or Buddhism, but it is not necessary to study those paths in order to practice or study yoga.
It is also not necessary to surrender your own religious beliefs to practice yoga.
I’m not very Fit or Flexible -
Yes Yes Yes -
What do I need to Start a Yoga Class
Class Etiquette
Please take a note of my yoga class etiquette to make the class enjoyable for everyone.