">
I am Sivananda trained and teach powerful flowing Hatha Yoga classes at all levels in studios, gyms, local halls and private homes in South Bucks and the Chilterns.">
Yoga
"YOGA IS SKILL IN ACTION"
At its most basic form, Yogic exercise is very effective at stretching out the body and working core muscles, increasing flexibility and strengthening the body generally and can help enhance sports performance and endurance (eg golf, tennis football). Equally as we get older, doing regular yoga based exercise helps maintain and improve flexibility and strength. Also, building awareness and control of the breath helps one deal with everyday stress and anxiety at home, in the workplace and when doing sports. The breathwork also enhances concentration and mindfulness with obvious benefits.
However, Yoga is so much more than an all encompassing physical exercise; it is a complete science of life originating from India many thousands of years ago.
Yoga aims to unite and balance the body, mind and spirit combining movements needed for physical health with breathing and meditation techniques to ensure peace of mind, offering an effective antidote to the physical and mental stresses of living in the 21st century.
The yoga postures are called asanas, meaning steady pose. Practising these poses improves strength and flexibility, increases circulation and massages/stimulates the internal organs and endocrine system. Deep breathing, concentration and relaxation during the poses lead to a state of inner peace and calmness.
The Sanskrit root of the word Yoga means “to yoke or harness”, referring to the union between the individual and absolute consciousness, between movement and the breath and between the mind and body, creating balance, simplicity and perspective.
Most Yoga taught in the West is Hatha Yoga which is a practical approach to Raja Yoga. Ha means sun and Tha means moon – Hatha Yoga is seen as an all encompassing discipline incorporating the union of opposites.
There are 8 limbs or steps of Hatha Yoga which strengthen and purify the body and mind leading eventually towards self realisation/enlightenment (Samadhi, the 8th limb). The first two limbs are observances and restraints for everyday living, the third limb is the asanas/physical postures/poses, the fourth is pranayama/breath control and the next three are mindful relaxation/stilling the mind, concentration and meditation, leading up to the 8th limb, Samadhi – superconsciousness/ enlightenment/ self realisation.
Hatha Yoga classes in the West generally include instruction in asanas, breathwork and mindful relaxation. There are many types of Hatha Yoga, eg, Ashtanga, Iyengar and Sivananda Yoga are all types of Hatha Yoga, each with a different approach and emphasis.
Yoga is one of the ancient six major schools of Indian philosophy. Traditionally it is a discipline leading towards the goal of self realisation or enlightenment. There are four major Yogic paths towards this goal:-
KARMA YOGA – the path of selfless service - the Yoga of Action BHAKTI YOGA – the path of worship – the Yoga of Devotion JNANA YOGA – the path of knowledge – the Yoga of Wisdom RAJA YOGA – the royal path – the Yoga of Physical and Mental Control
HATHA YOGA FLOW is a dynamic invigorating approach to Yoga asanas (poses) linking various postures together in flowing sequences, sometimes called Vinyasa Flow Yoga, when the breath is emphasised.
"YOGA IS SKILL IN ACTION"