The Yoga Studio

What is Yoga?

This most wonderful journey of Yoga that originated in India is one of the world's oldest systems of "Self "discovery, which is still continuing and flourishing today. Some say it is more than 5,000 years old.
The western world has become interested in this ancient method of self growth and it is spreading here through the work of many western teachers.
The word Yoga means 'Yoke' or 'Union', the art of yoking the lower personality to the higher, or ego to truth; the union of body with mind and of mind with spirit; our individual spirit or Atman with Universal spirit or Brahman. It is a disciplining of the body - mind to achieve, through balance and harmony- a state of enlightenment. Yoga is centering - the centre being the "higher self"; so Yoga means both the state of harmony and the pathway to realise it.
It important for us to remember that Yoga is not just a series of exercises, or a philosophy but the theory and practice of becoming at one with the Universe.
Over the centuries different pathways or schools of Yoga have developed suiting different personalities. In the western world Hatha Yoga has become one of the most popular forms, although an integrated system is often taught. There are several million people today who practice some form of Yoga.

What is Hatha?

Hatha Yoga, involving physical postures, seems to have been developed at least 900 - 1000 years ago, although its origins are quite obscure. One of the concepts behind Hatha Yoga is that in order to sit in meditation to seek enlightenment we need a strong healthy body. Over the years many Hatha Yoga practitioners have lost sight of this spiritual goal and they focus more on the physical therapeutic effects. Sadly some western practitioners are simply interested in establishing greater physical health, longevity, and a more relaxed life. Hatha Yoga has frequently proved to meet all these needs. Medical research on Hatha Yoga has shown that it can restore health to some, alleviate illness for others and can to some extent slow the ageing process. Most of all the practice of Hatha Yoga is a powerful preventative medicine.
Yoga however offers even more! With regular patient perseverance, with "practice" we can experience a deep, profound sense of inner security and strength, through the understanding of our unity with the truth of existence.

Who can practice Hatha Yoga?

While Hatha Yoga involves a series of postures that exercise virtually every part of the body, no one is too old to practice, for there are gentle poses as well as the more difficult. In fact one's attitude, rather than the perfection of the final pose is the most important factor. The Yogabhashya states, "The posture becomes perfect, when the effort of achieving it vanishes."
The breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, meditations and many of the postures are available to all, regardless of age and state of health. Many who are physically challenged have gained greater mobility in the practice of the postures, and the ability to control pain through the practice of meditation. Those who suffer emotional swings find calmness in the breathing and relaxation exercises. Seekers of self awareness increase their understanding through meditation and the stillness of posture practice.
So, anyone regardless of their age, state of health or religious belief can practice and therefore benefit from Yoga. Yoga is not a religion. It is a journey of self discovery and development, a joyful attitude to life. It gives us the energy to lead a more fulfilling life. The self discipline we develop through regular practice builds up a wealth of inner strength. We are rewarded as an individual by feeling peaceful and well, and all those around us also benefit by our increasing calmness.

Is Yoga still relevant for life today?

Regular practice induces a sense of well being, which is so desperately needed by many of us living in a fast, materialistic, competitive and stressful society. Yoga teaches us how to relax, and once achieved relaxation becomes more and more a state of being. Those upsetting complaints that often plague us such as… frequently feeling tired, being overwhelmed by stress, finding it difficult to sleep, suffering from periods of depression, or any of the physical problems living often brings us, such as headaches, backache, acidic stomach can be significantly eased or even eradicated by the practice of Yoga.
Although the practice of Yoga cannot take away the strain of our modern pressured lives, it can make us stronger physically, emotionally and mentally, so that we are more able to cope. This not only benefits us individually but also society as a whole.

How should I feel after a yoga session?

The graceful postures, slow breathing exercises, self awareness meditations, and peaceful relaxations are a pleasure to perform and experience.
Most of us feel 'wonderful' after a Yoga session.
What a joy to have the chance to be given this gift by the sages of old.
What a joy to be able to pass on the knowledge of Yoga to others!