What is Yoga?

Yoga translates as ‘union’, a union or joining of the mind and body, which for many in the Western world are seen as acting wholly independently. One of the most common branches of yoga is Hatha Yoga – hatha embodies ‘ha’ the sun and ‘tha’ the moon, symbolising the union of the sun and moon, of male and female, of right and left and all opposites. Hatha Yoga endeavours to bring balance to the body and the mind and to the flow of energy in the body.

 

What you will learn in class

General Hatha yoga class will introduce you to the foundations of the yoga practice through the combination of physical postures, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques.

 

• Yoga postures (or asanas) promote health and increase flexibility in the physical body. The postures exercise all parts of the body, helping to stretch and tone muscles and joints, the spine and the entire skeletal system. They also help to release both mental and physical tension allowing us to release energy to help readdress imbalance rather than leaving you feeling tired and depleted. Through the practice of these postures, you will learn about your body and how it functions, thereby developing a greater sense of awareness and sensitivity, of which yoga is all about.

 

• The breathing exercises will teach you to breathe more naturally and fully, helping to cleanse the body, increase lung capacity and improve mental clarity.

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• A variety of relaxation techniques covered, including visualisation and yoga nidra, will allow the body to rest and rejuvenate, reducing stress and creating a calmer mind.

 

Each class will be different but the framework will help to stretch and strengthen the body, at the same time as reconnecting us to our breath and learning to relax. It is important that you go only as far as feels comfortable in any postures or breathing exercises.

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What to expect in class

• Friendly environment where we are all students of yoga and can learn from one another

• Sensitive instruction and guidance in the practice

• A small class in order to give optimum personal attention

• An atmosphere of non-competitiveness with both fellow classmates and with yourself – you need to be sensitive to your own body’s needs, so please honour your body and take responsibility to listening to its needs, as they will differ every time you come to class

• Yoga is for everyone – young or old, male or female, sick or healthy. We will all work at our own pace within the structure of the class, so small adjustments or alternative postures may be suggested in order to tailor the practice for your individual needs

 

What you need to do

• Wear loose fitting clothing so that you feel comfortable and can move

• Bring warm clothes – socks, blanket, jersey – for relaxation at the end of class

• Please don’t eat a heavy meal less than 2 hours before the session

• Try to arrive a few minutes before class so you have time to ‘arrive’ and be fully present at the start of class

• Leave any stress or worries at the door – this is your time

• Come with an open mind and heart. And with a sense of fun!

 

If you have any questions or wish to discuss anything that comes up in class, feel free to contact me.