NOTES FOR BEGINNERS
The purpose of Yoga is to bring the mind, body and spirit into harmony. It is a discipline which helps us to be able to direct our body, mind, intellect, emotions and will, rather than letting them lead us.
There are many definitions of the word Yoga, one I particularly like is - (Yoga means) - "a poise of the soul which enables one to look at life in all its aspects evenly".
Yoga has various branches. The one we'll be practising in these classes is Hatha Yoga, which concentrates mainly on the vitalization of the body, through asanas, or postures. Since the body, mind and spirit are not separate entities, but parts of a whole, work done on any one of them will affect the others. So increased physical strength, vitality and flexibility will lead to an increase in these qualities within the mind and spirit.
Some of the benefits attained through the practice of Hatha Yoga are; improved circulation, digestion, respiration, elimination, menstruation, to name but a few of the physical effects, not to mention a general sense of well-being and diminishing of stress and tension.
Yoga is a non-competitive discipline. To be "good at Yoga" has nothing to do with having a bendy body, but rather the understanding and precision that a student brings to each asana. In Yoga your most vauable asset is your full presence. In these classes Yoga should be treated as a gentle, beneficiant discipline, to be practised with effort, and without strain, with humility and openness, not competing with anyone, least of all your own self. In your practice of Yoga, try and be in the here-and-now, doing each posture for its own sake. It doesn't matter if you managed to stretch further last week, past is past, everything changes, what matters is your acceptance of your current possibilities, then you will relax and the postures will become easier to do.
At the end of each class we do some relaxation, this is very important and if you practise at home do leave time to lie down and relax at the end.
N.B. All breathing should be through the nose, unless otherwise instructed.
PRACTICALITIES
To do Yoga asanas you need clothing which allows you freedom of movement. You'll probably get quite warm whilst doing the asanas, but will want some warm clothes to hand (usually a sweater and socks) to wear during the relaxation, when your body will cool down.
You need a or mat blanket for certain of the postures, and a belt or scarf (judo belts are ideal). It's important not to do asanas soon after eating. It's best to allow at least 2 hours.
Please tell me if there's any aspect of your health I should know about, e.g. if you have back trouble, high blood pressure, dizziness, pus in the ears, displaced retina, or if you are pregnant.
N.B. Inverted postures should not be practised during menstruation.
For further information regarding Yoga, and also to book appointments for Acupuncture, Massage and Shamanic Work contact:
Sue P. on 01865 776759
