Yoga

There can be no better way to improve mental, emotional and physical wellbeing than through the ancient practice of Yoga.

Yoga began in India over 5000 years ago. Postures were initially introduced as a means to strengthen and tone the body in order to sit for the practice of meditation.

Hatha Yoga comprises 3 main elements – the practice of postures, breathing exercises and relaxation known as Asanas, Pranayama and Nidra respectively. Combined together, these strengthen the body, calm the emotions, build emotional resilience and increase self awareness.

Yoga stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which triggers a relaxation response . This counters the stress and anxiety created by the body’s fight and flight response which is activated by the sympathetic nervous system.

A session begins with a gentle sequence of exercises to warm the body. This is followed by a warm up routine which prepares the body for holding the main asanas. Each asana targets a specific area of the body and a balanced session will always include a forward bend, backward bend, side bend, twist, inversion and balance pose. The aim of the asanas is to release tension and tightness from the body while increasing strength and flexibility.

Various Pranayama techniques are used throughout  the class to embrace the power of the breath; either to energise the body or calm the nervous system.

Each class closes with yoga Nidra to relax the body and mind completely and soothe and calm the emotions.

Ultimately yoga is a mindful practice which induces a state of peacefulness throughout body and mind and leaves the practitioner more centred and calm. The aim of Hatha yoga practice is for the practitioner to experience their True Nature – ‘the state of yoga’. In this state there is no tension in the body, no worries in the mind and you experience a sense of coming home to yourself.

Don’t you know yet? It is your light that lights the worlds.

Rumi