WHAT IS YOGA?
Hatha Yoga is the physical branch of Raja Yoga. Its purpose is to balance the body and mind through the practice of asanas (postures), so that we can become still and attentive without tension. What is intriguing about hatha yoga is the healing power that students receive when they practice this ancient science. Many students of yoga regain their health and vitality when they began a yoga practice, regardless of their body type or age.
According the National Institute of Health, when people actively seek to reduce the stress in their lives by quieting the mind, the body often works to heal itself.
The yoga postures are an important aid to inner peace. When the student enters a pose with an inner sense of harmony and peace, the very act of assuming that position can help to develop a calm attitude. The thoughts that one has during the practice can also help release the tension, and stimulate the flow of energy in the body. Many of the postures of hatha yoga are related to specific and wholesome attitudes of the mind. Yoga postures then become a kind of meditation in action.
The root of the word yoga is "yoji" meaning "unity, or yoke", indicating that the purpose of yoga is to reunite ourselves with our higher nature. Only when we begin to feel this unity of body, mind and soul, will we begin to understand and benefit from the healing power of yoga.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF YOGA?
We believe the benefits of yoga will exceed your expectations. The benefits yoga can bring to your life can't be described in words. It is really something you have to experience for yourself.
Yoga is a wonderful form of exercise. It tones and strengthens the body by relaxing and releasing the tightness in muscles, creating flexibility. It also quiets and focuses the mind. The body is placed in various positions that increase strength of some body parts while increasing the flexibility of others. Yoga integrates body parts by training the body as it functions.
Almost anyone, at any fitness level and with a wide range of personal and fitness goals, can benefit from beginning a Yoga practice. Yoga postures, called asanas, are combined with breathing techniques (pranayama) to help quiet the mind and bring focus to the practice. Benefits include stress reduction, greater flexibility, sharpened concentration, enhanced lung capacity, increased strength, tone and endurance and improved posture/corrected alignment; and Overall well-being and health.
YOGA IS THE GYM FOR YOUR SPIRIT....THE PERFECT COUNTERBALANCE FOR STRESS
Yoga is for everyone and there are no beginners, for each person is already good at something. your potential is there. Deep inside all of us are all of the yoga poses we will practice. We all possess the principles needed, our bodies want to celebrate the joyful movements of yoga that wait inside. Actually, don't consider that you are in yoga class, but rather that the yoga class exists inside you.
WHAT ARE THE GUIDELINES FOR A YOGA CLASS?
Your first task is to smile (yoga is not so serious) and enjoy practicing the poses (asanas), letting your breath bring them alive. You should start Yoga slowly, and as a beginner, don't hold any of the poses for long. Allow your body to warm up before asking more of it. Remain in poses only if comfortable. If you pull or force a pose, you may injure yourself. It is more important to discover how your body works than to achieve the pose. The pose will come. Do not stretch beyond your flexibility level. Only you know what your limitations are and you must respect them. Yoga is not about competition. It is about YOU! Always keep in mind that yoga is non‑competitive. It is important not to compete with a fellow student or yourself. Each individual will find some poses easier than others and the pose that is easy for one individual may be difficult for another.
Many asanas can be modified for special needs. If you experience pain or major discomfort in a pose, ask for assistance in modifying the pose or back out of the pose until the discomfort subsides. Always give yourself permission not to do a pose if you believe it will not serve you! Omit any postures that you do not feel comfortable doing. Always breathe during postures. Breathe in and out through the nose, not the mouth. If you are clenching your teeth or holding your breath you are trying to hard.
Always tell your instructor if you have any health concerns or special needs before class begins. If you are in doubt about your health or ability to do Yoga, always ask and take the advice of your doctor. This is especially important if you have any prior or existing medical condition. You must let your teacher know of any existing medical condition.
Please practice timeliness. The beginning of a yoga class is important. Please arrive 5-10 minutes prior to start of class. Arriving early gives you an opportunity to settle in and guarantee your space. Center your body/mind and create an intention for your practice. Release unwanted thoughts and give yourself permission to be in the class.
We close the door 5 minutes before a class. This is being respectful to the teacher and other students. Additionally please avoid leaving early, especially during Savasana.
Please bring your own mat if you have one. After you have been practicing for a while, we recommend that you buy your own mat. For those who tend to sweat, please bring a towel to class. Be mindful of how & where you place your mat. Graciously make space for others while maintaining an orderly set up. If you are renting a mat, please lay the mat flat and spray it with the solution provided. If you have rented a towel, after class please put it in the dirty laundry container.
Wear loose, lightweight clothing which will not restrict your movement. Avoid heavy meals prior to class, a light snack one-hour before class is OK. It is important that you drink lots of water after yoga - this will help you flush the toxins. For benefit of all, please do not wear any fragrances.
Take your shoes off as you enter and leave your shoes in the shoe cubbies. This helps keep our space clean and is a mark of respect. Socks are not recommended because your feet need a firm grounding during standing postures.
If you are in doubt about your health or ability to do Yoga, always ask and take the advice of your doctor. This is especially important if you have any prior or existing medical condition. You must let your teacher know of any existing medical condition.
WHO DOES PRACTICE YOGA?
All kinds of people - toddlers, students, mothers, grandmothers, athletes, non-athletes, people from the business and trade worlds, folks who can touch their toes and folks who cannot. Yoga offers something for everyone. The common denominator is the desire to stretch, relax, and to feel more flexible, strong and in touch with the body.
DOES DOING YOGA MEAN TWISTING YOUR BODY INTO A PRETZEL?
No, yoga does not require you to move into extreme twists, yet it will introduce your body to new ways of moving, through lengthening, breathing, and gentle forward, backward, twisting, and side-to-side motions.
IS YOGA A CULT?
Yoga is a very personal practice of breathing, stretching, moving into postures, and experiencing the sensations that result. Some practitioners consider yoga to be a spiritual path, a way of getting to know themselves and their way in the world better. Others use yoga postures as a way to quiet the mind in preparing for meditation. Yoga is what the student chooses it to be. Yoga is practiced by people of all faiths and has no specific religious teachings.
HOW CAN I GET THE MOST OUT OF MY YOGA CLASS?
Come to class with a light stomach, that is eat lightly 2 hours prior to class. Wear comfortable clothes with elastic waistbands, and dress in layers. Bring a water bottle to hydrate when necessary. Most importantly, carry a clear intention to fully participate in the class, both physically and mentally.
IS CHANTING "OM" IN MY YOGA CLASS AN OFFENSE TO MY CHRISTIAN BELIEFS?
No. Let's look at it this way. It is certain that OM is the oldest mantra or sound of spiritual power known to the sages of India. While its origin is somewhat obscure, many scholars have made a link between the word OM and Amen, and many feel this connection to be philosophically valid. All agree that OM is the vocalization of an actual sound vibration which pervades the entire universe and is audible to those in higher states of consciousness. Therefore, chanting OM is intended only to enhance your spiritual life however you choose to practice it. As the Rig-Veda (1:64:46) says, "There is a single Truth but the wise call it by different names."
Thank you for your interest, Namaste'
