About Yoga
What is Yoga? The word yoga is derived from the root word yuj which refers to the act of yolking (or uniting). It is often described as the union between mind, body and emotions (or soul, or spirit). Yoga can be seen as a practice designed for making people wiser, for developing attentiveness in action and for enhancing the ability to direct the mind without distraction or interruption. It can also be seen as a practice which enables the mind to be directed towards the self in order to gain greater understanding of one's own true nature.
Possible benefits of Yoga: To gain the most benefits from yoga you will need a good strong practice. This will come from enthusiasm and dedication but it is important to develop awareness of the sensitivities of your body and mind. To avoid injury, it may be useful to notice that each posture is not defined by one physical end-point, such as my head has reached my knee or I can grab my foot. The essence of a posture (and yoga in general) will only develop with time and mindful practice. Patanjali says practice becomes firmly grounded when well attended to for a long time, without break and with enthusiam (sutra 1.14). What is Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga? Ashtanga yoga is distinct from other forms of Hatha yoga mainly because of its unique Vinyasa system which links postures through a system of movements and breath, producing heat and subsequently sweat. The sweat is purifying and cleansing. Three primary principles of Ashtanga Yoga are… Ujjayi Breath: Meaning victorious breath. It draws the mind inwards with calming and energizing effects. Ujjayi breath warms the air before entering the lungs and increases airflow so that muscles are supplied with a greater source of oxygen. Inhalation and exhalation are through the nose and are of equal length and quantity. Air is taken through the back of the throat where the flow is regulated. The glottis must be open at all times. The sound produced during Ujjayi breathing is sometimes likened to a gentle snoring or the sound of pebbles as they surge in and out with waves on the shore. Bandha: Meaning lock or seal. Bandha is intricately linked to the breath and correctly applied will free the breath and give strength and lightness to the body. Although it means to lock, it actually unlocks energy and redirects it. Mula bandha is also known as the root lock or root foundation. It is a gentle lift in the pelvic floor (perineum) and is necessary for a firm foundation in any posture. It seals energy and directs it upwards with the help of uddiyana bandha. Uddiyana bandha can be translated as upward flying. It involves the contraction of the inner abdominal muscles inward and upward therefore protecting the lower back and internal organs. Dristi: In each posture, there is a gaze or focal point which is known as the dristi. There are nine dristis that help the mind to focus and directed it inwards. If you would like to find out more about ashtanga yoga, here are a few recommended readings: Jois, Sri K. Pattabhi (2000) Yoga Mala, Eddie Stern⁄Patanjali Yoga Shala, New York. Miele, Lino (1999) Astanga Yoga, Lino Miele, Rome. Scott, J (2000) Ashtanga Yoga: The essential step-by-step guide to dynamic yoga, Gaia books, London. Swenson, David (1999) Ashtanga Yoga, The Practical Manual, Ashtanga Yoga Productions, Texas. |
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I teach yoga in Bude twice a week, on Tuesday evenings and on Friday mornings. I also teach a yoga class in Stratton once a week on Wednesday evenings. Please go to my