…can anyone do yoga?
Everyone can do yoga, you do not have to be flexible or fit – in yoga we all start where we are and work with what we have. It doesn’t matter if you can’t touch your toes and you certainly don’t have to be able to turn yourself into a pretzel! It doesn’t matter so much how far we can take the poses – you can even do yoga sitting in a chair – it’s more about how we work within the postures. Yoga is about focusing the mind, connecting to your breath and the internal experience of being in the pose.
…how will I benefit from yoga?
The yoga postures cultivate muscular and core strength as well as suppleness. By working with the body in combination to the breath we access a calmer state of mind. As we focus on the physical work in this way, the mind gets to rest. A yoga class gives space for you to just be, leaving everything else outside the door while you literally have some breathing-space. Through the postures you will become stronger and more flexible physically as well as mentally. The asanas also have a cleansing effect on the body helping to eliminate toxins from the system.
-Brings vitality, sense of lightness.
-Better breathing and posture.
-Relieves stress.
-Releases tension – physical & mental.
-Sleep better.
-Clarity, sense of self, focus.
-Sense of perspective.
-Connectedness.
…so what is yoga?
In the west what we tend to call yoga is mainly the physical practice of yoga postures known as “asana” in Sanskrit. However, in its true sense yoga is an ancient and complex spiritual science originating in India. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj” which means to “yoke” or unite. The aim of yoga is to unite body, breath and mind, to unite the individual self with the universal consciousness discovering a sense of Oneness.
Yoga really is about realising our own potential and fulfilment through practices that reveal our true selves.
