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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 - to yoke or bind, often interpreted as a union. In modern terms it is the binding of the mind-body and spirit or the body-breath and soul.


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-violence, Truthfulness and  Freedom from Desire


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 - Can I do Yoga


Yes Yes Yes - Yoga is for every one and Every Body. You don’t need to be flexible you just need is the desire to do it. Come to a class just as you are and you will find the Yoga practice will help you gain Flexibility, Strength and Fitness together with an overall feeling of wellbeing.



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.