Yoga classes include physical postures known as asana’s, relaxation (Yoga Nidra usually) and sometimes other aspects of hatha yoga such as pranayama (breath work) and meditation may also be included.
“Real education is educating the behaviour of the mind and brain. Even the newer forms of teaching which have been introduced in the last few decades fall short of this goal. In most of them the learning process takes place at an intellectual level. In the yogic system, however, the process of imbibing knowledge is a spontaneous affair, which takes place at the deeper levels of the mind.” (page 180, Yoga Nidra by Swami Satyananda Saraswati – Bihar School of Yoga 2006 edition)
Yoga is practical and down to earth, the right yoga tools for the right student. Just like the right use of postures for the individuals abilities is important. It is my aim to help students integrate relevant and practical aspects of the yoga tradition into their lives should they desire it.
In yoga we start where we are, honour ourselves and all our facets, and bring awareness and understanding to bear into the context of our lives. We learn to continually re-adjust to maintain balance and well being.
“Yoga has a special role to play in the world of today. Its practice alone can remove mental and physical afflictions. It can bring joy into our hearts and homes. Yoga does not lay down extraordinary conditions of self discipline and behaviour patterns.” (Page 4 of Dynamics of Yoga, by Swami Satyananda Saraswati – Bihar School of Yoga)
Teaching will primarily be asana (posture) based, although it is important not to underestimate benefits of asana on the entire individual. Special classes, workshops or one on one teaching may well include any of the following;
- Asana (Body positions and postures)
- Yoga Nidra (Deep relaxation)
- Pranayama (Breath work and relaxation)
- Meditation (Mind work and relaxation)
- Philosophy (applicable to daily life)
- Bandhas (Energy locks and manipulation)
- Mudras (Hand gestures that surprisingly have subtle effects)
- Mantra (Sound)
