top of page
  • Black Facebook Icon
  • Black Instagram Icon

What is Yoga?

20191001_103923_edited.jpg

Yoga means union/ integration/ connection and comes from from the Sanskrit word yuj, means to yoke or bind and originated in India over 2000 years ago.

The classical system of yoga is described by the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, a series of 196 aphorisms.  Contained within these is the 8-limbed (astanga) path: 

  1. Yama - social restraints or ethical values

  2. Niyama - personal observance

  3. Āsana - posture 

  4. Prāṇāyāma - practice of breathing techniques /extension of life-force (prana)

  5. Pratyāhāra - turning the senses inward

  6. Dhāraṇā - concentration

  7. Dhyāna - Meditation 

  8. Samādhi  - absorption, bliss

Within a modern postural yoga class, most of the practice will be based around the physical postures (asana) and may incorporate the other limbs as and when appropriate. 

Yoga is a practical philosophy that helps to bring about greater health by unifying body, breath and spirit. The practice of yoga is universal in that it can be practiced by anyone regardless of age and religion. Certainly in the West, the physical postures, breathing techniques and mindfulness are now widely recognized at helping treat and prevent many chronic illnesses and stress disorders due to the beneficial effects the practice has on the nervous system making it a powerful antidote to the stresses and strains of modern day life.

Yoga helps tone the muscles and improve flexibility along with stimulating circulation and massaging the inner the organs, improving their function. Yoga feels like 'mindfulness in motion' with a deeper awareness developed in one's own body and breath. This mindful attention along with practicing relaxation and concentration techniques helps calm the mind and increases ones ability to cope with tension in day to day life.

 

Over time with practice, this enhances our health and well-being on all level and provides a path to greater awareness to the Truth of our Being.

 

 

Benefits of Yoga

Improved posture

Flexibility, joint mobility and strength

Improved respiration, energy and vitality

Greater body awareness

 Self - connection and confidence

Improved digestion

Strengthens the immune system 

Reduces stress and promotes relaxation

Creates mental clarity and calmness

Centres a busy mind

Sharpens concentration

Enhances spiritual connection

Realisation of the body, mind and spirit as one

bottom of page