WHAT IS YOGA

The word 'Yoga' is a Sanskrit word meaning to Yoke or Unite. 

It's a Spiritual practice of self-awareness and discovery, aiming to bring harmony and balance between Mind, Body and Spirit and can be achieved by following the

8 Limbs of Yoga, laid out by Sage Patanjali, although this is not the only avenue.

Yoga is a vast topic and there are different paths and lineages, but the 8 limbs is a good place to start if you're new to it.

THE EIGHT LIMBS

1. Yamas - Ethical & Moral Codes of Conduct.

2. Niyamas - Personal Observances / Morals & Ethics

3. Asana - Physical Postures

4. Pranayama - Breath Control / Expansion of Prana

5. Pratyahara - Withdrawal of the Senses

6. Dharana - Concentration 

7. Dhyana - Meditation

8. Samadhi - Bliss / Enlightenment / Total Absorption.

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Patanjali wasn't the first person to come up with the discipline of Yoga, but he wrote down how to practice Yoga in a coherent way for people to follow.

These are the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

A 'Sutra' is essentially an aphorism, or a guideline and there are around 195/196 Sutras. Only three mention Yoga Asanas, although one of the 8 limbs is  focused around Asana.

The physical movement is what you generally see and do in most Yoga classes.

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My aim is to embrace the whole of Yoga, to help us live in harmony with ourselves,

others and the world.

My sessions are themed with Yoga Philosophy and concepts, which might include learning about the 8 limbs, the inspiration behind postures, Mudra, Mantras and more. Yoga is a way of life, helping to support our Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Health.

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The wonderful thing about this ancient Indian practice, is that there is something for everyone, whether you crave the movement and physical elements that help to build self confidence with your body, or being still in the moment focusing your attention, finding softness and rest. You get to choose, that's the beauty of it.

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Everyday is different and so are you. Yoga invites us to tune into how we are feeling in the moment and start from there.

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You might come to your mat expecting to do lots of movement but find that you are incredibly tired but over stimulated. You might benefit from resting and practicing a guided meditation like Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep) to help calm your nervous system from that over-stimulated state but also provide your body, mind and soul with the rest is truly needs.

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I hope to see you in a class soon, or if you prefer individual support, I offer 1-1 sessions which you can find more information about under the 121 Yoga & Art heading on my website.

Thank you for taking the time to be here!

Aum Shanti Shanti Shanti 

Peace Peace Peace