About Yoga

From its ancient roots over 4,000 years ago in the Indus Valley,  the West has embraced this Eastern tradition of Yoga as a union of body-mind-spirit.

Yoga can be called a process of self-development and self-awakening, using these ancient techniques to balance our physical-emotional-mental health to a place of integrated harmony and wholeness within oneself and others.  The classes I offer incorporate Yoga + mindfulness practices that help you develop a greater physical, emotional and mental health, improving our overall well-being, to promote:

  • STRENGTH & FLEXIBILITY

  • STRUCTURAL ALIGNMENT & IMPROVED POSTURE

  • PROPER FUNCTIONING OF BODY SYSTEMS

  • MENTAL WELLNESS

  • RELAXATION & REJUVENATION

  • BODY-MIND AWARENESS & BALANCE

  • EQUANIMITY, INSIGHT & WISDOM

We require all the above to enjoy good health.

Yoga + mindfulness can do this by using these tried & tested techniques and practices of…

Asana

(body postures/movements either seated, standing, lying or inverted) done with appropriate breathing;  some asana are moving & dynamic stimulating cardiac & skeletal muscle (more Yang);  others are held for a longer period of time working at a joint/bone/connective tissues level (more Yin).  The goal is not the asana itself but the attributes of the physical fitness that are implied in the ability to assume the body posture.  The spine is key to asana.  Keeping a strong & flexible back with all the natural curves intact is vital for proper alignment and maintaining a sound body structure.

Breathing

Breathing naturally and effortlessly for initial centering / awareness,  during asana and final relaxation. Pranayama practices (regulated breathing) help to energise or calm the bodymind, steady and improve mental focus, thus deepening the effects of practice.

Relaxation

Relaxation of the body & mind is the antidote to stress - the constant 'over-doing' that makes up our daily lives.  To relax is to rest deeply, a state of no movement and no effort, where the brain is quiet and settled.  The physiological state of relaxation is characterized by a slower heart rate, metabolism, rate of breathing, brain wave patterns, and lower blood pressure.  Through a guided relaxation we provoke the 'relaxation response' and receive all the benefits of the inner healing for bodymind – finding equilibrium and a sense of ease.

Balancing our Emotions

Emotion = energy in motion!
Our water element governs the emotion of fear.
When this element is out of balance we can feel fearful  -  lack trust in others and be prone to procrastination.
When the water balances in harmony we will feel wise, open and philosophical - courageous - have faith & trust.
All good qualities to cultivate for our New Year!

Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness Meditation is very simple - but perhaps not easy - it is a natural unfolding based on 4 foundations of:

Body * Feelings * Thoughts * Things as they are.

It can be broadly defined as:

  • Being in the moment;

  • Knowing we are in the moment;

  • Knowing what is happening in the moment;

  • Both around us, within our own mind; and

  • Without preference. 

Through the practices, we cultivate awareness and see thoughts simply as mental events instead of taking them literally.  We stop dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, we start living right here in each present moment with an open hearted acceptance of what is.  Being more aware of ourselves through our senses, emotions and the mind, we can disengage from the automatic pilot and be more skilful problem-solvers for our inner world.  When awareness is cultivated, we are able to recognise at an early stage the times our mood and rumination takes us into a downward spiral.  We open up more to a being mode rather than a constant doing-mode.  Mindfulness is intentional, experiential and non-judgemental - so we can be at peace with our emotions and mental state, reconnect to ourselves and others in a life-affirming way - we approach these practices with an attitudinal foundation of: 

  • ​Patience

  • Beginners Mind

  • Trust

  • Non-striving

  • Acceptance

  • Letting go

How to Practice

Yoga is practised in a non-competitive way, either with others or self.  There is usually a varied mix in any one class of:  age groups, fitness levels, yoga experience, male and female and reasons for attending. You will be encouraged to work for yourself  at your level and pace – no-one is forced to do anything they are not ready to do, nor must they keep up with the group. 

Variations  / adaptations  /  alternatives can be given to suit individual needs so the practice is more inclusive. 

On your part, please work according to how you find yourself in the moment, making the right amount of effort for you – not to much – not too little.   It is more important to be mindful and experience the journey rather than rush to the destination and miss the experience along the way!  So whether you are a complete beginner or more experienced, these classes could be suitable for you - so come along and try for yourself!

The Philosophy & Ethics of Yoga

Yoga philosphy includes writing and commentary from many ancient Indian texts including the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Bhavagad Gita, the Yoga Sutras and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.  Whilst yoga teachers may study these subjects in depth, they  are not usually taught in a regular class.  What would influence the yoga teaching are the ethical concepts introduced in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, which are central to any Hath Yoga practice.

The Sage Patanjali lists 8 stages towards achieiving a higher state of being:

Yama is a set of standards, focusing on how we deal with others:  Ahimsa - non-viloence;  Satya - truthfulness;  Asteya - non-stealing;  Brahamacharya - non-profligacy;  Aparigraha - non-covetousness

Niyama deals with self-discipline and spiritual observances:  Saucha - cleanliness;  Samtosa - contentment;  Tapas - spiritual discipline;  Svadhyaya - inner reflection;  Isvara Pranidhana - surrender to a higher being

Asana - through the practice of Asana, we develop control of the limbs and nervous system and the ability to concentrate

Pranayama is generally translated as breath control or breath regulation

Pratyahara is awareness that is shifted away from the five senses, looking inwardly to reach a state of non-attachment

Dharana is concentration upon a single point which helps to deepen a meditational practice

Dhyana is meditation or uninterrupted flow of concentration

Samadhi is when the meditator merges with their point of focus to Oneness, at this stage transcends the Self