Yoga

Yoga is an ancient practice of physical and mental discipline, which make us healthy, alert and receptive. The practice of Yoga enables the individual to achieve his/her full potential. It is a way of life. A technique of personal development.

Yoga practice is to be done on an empty stomach, approximately 1–2 hours after a meal depending on what and how much you have eaten.

When going into a posture (Asana) attention should be on the alignment of your body. Be aware of the foundation, the point of extension and the point of resistance so that maximum benefit is gained.

Move into the posture slowly and pay attention to your movements so you can feel your body’s limits. There should be sensation but NO PAIN. Be attentive to how your body is responding and come out of the posture slowly so as to avoid injury. Repeat the posture 1–3 times. As your body becomes stronger and more flexible hold the posture for up to 6 to 10 breaths. Breathing should be a slow, normal breath. Breathe in and out through your nose. The breath helps to move the body.

Generally: Forward bends and twists on exhalation. Inhale when returning to starting position. Back bends/arches done on inhalation. No tension in face, neck, shoulders or eyes.

When to practice?

Mornings are a good start to the day. Evenings will help release tensions of the day. Do what suits you. Regularity is the most important. At the end of a Yoga session spend 10-15 minutes in relaxation. Don’t force relaxation – allow yourself to let go. If you have a medical problem seek the approval of your doctor.

Where does Yoga come from?

The Teaching of Yoga was passed on by word of mouth for countless generations and then about 2,000 years ago a sage named Patanjali wrote down a series of short statements of Aphorisms in which he explained the structure of Yoga into eight stages of limbs.

The eight limbs of Yoga:

Yamas –

Ahimsa: Non-Violence

Satya: Truthfulness

Asteya: Non-Stealing

Brahmacarya: Temperance

Aparigraha: Non covetousness

Niyamas –

Sauca: Cleanliness

Santosa: Contentment

Tapas: Discipline

Svadhyaya: Study of self

Ishvaprapranidhana: Devotion to an ideal

Asanas – the Yoga postures

Pranayama: The art of Yoga breathing. To control and utilize the Prana (Life Force)

Pratyahara: Awareness and control or discipline of the senses

Dharana: Concentration

Dhyana: Meditation

Samadhi: Beyond meditation – A state of truth and bliss. The ultimate goal of Yoga.

The first five limbs of Yoga are external aspects of Yoga, while the last three are the internal aspects of Yoga.