“Yoga is not a work-out, it is a work-in. And this is the point of spiritual practice; to make us teachable; to open up our hearts and focus our awareness so that we can know what we already know and be who we already are.”
Yoga has been around for over 5,000 years and some scholars believe it could go back as far as 10,000 years ago. It can be broken into four main categories. The oldest Pre-Classical Yoga were the word yoga first appears in Vedic texts. The Vedas are a collection of texts containing songs, mantras and rituals. This is where yoga is said to be developed. The second, Classical Yoga or Raja Yoga this is where Panajali’s- often refereed to as the” father of yoga”, wrote The Yoga Sutras and this is how The Eight Limbed Path came to existence. The Sutras are a set of intentions to live your life truly in Yoga. These are still widely used in today’s yoga. The third category, Post-Classical Yoga where more of the physical from of yoga came about. Tantra Yoga was developed with radical techniques to cleanse the body and mind to break the knots that bind us to our physical existence. The last of the categories is Modern Yoga. Where Gurus and Yogis came to the west to start teaching to everyone. This forth category brought many new thoughts and styles to the practice of yoga, which we see today in all the many forms that now exist.
My thoughts on maintaining the purity of what is yoga, are simple. Yoga at the root of the word translates to join, yoke or unite. I think if we can place our ego aside, we can see we are all the same. A group of souls trying to figure it out. I believe the practice of yoga unites us all and we learn to hear what matters, love with fullness and connect with the divine within us all. Yoga is not a religion but it can be deeply spiritual. It is a practice designed to help you learn yourself better. I am teacher and a student of yoga. I take my knowledge from those who came before me and will always continue to expand my knowledge with an open heart. Yoga is a way of being.
Patanjali’s Eight Limb Path
1. Yamas (attitude toward others)
a) Ahimsa (non-violence)
b) Satya (truth)
c) Astaya (non-stealing)
d) Brahmacharya (moderation)
e) Aparigraha (non-attachment)
2. Niyamas (attitude toward self)
a) Saucha (purity/Cleanliness)
b) Santosha (contentment)
c) Tapas (discipline)
d) Svadhyaya (awareness of self)
e) Ishvara Pranidhana (enlightenment)
3. Asana (posture)
4. Pranayama (breath)
5. Pratyahara (turning inward)
6. Dharana (concentration/focus)
7. Dhyana (meditation)
8. Samadhi (contemplation/absorption into enlightened state)
Yoga is a practice of moving the mind and body to become one. Through the pranayama (breath work) and asana practice (movement), it allows meditation to become deeper and fuller by sinking into yourself and hearing the voice within. Private yoga sessions are catered to each individual’s needs. Yoga is a practice, meaning that it grows as you grow.
A few physical benefits of a yoga practice include increased flexibility, increased muscle strength and tone, improved respiration, increased energy and vitality, helps maintain a balanced metabolism, better cardio circulatory health, improved athletic performance, and aids in injury prevention and healing. The mental benefits of yoga through meditation and breathing include improvements in mental well-being. A regular yoga practice gives the practitioner mental clarity and calmness, increased body awareness, relief from chronic stress patterns, and relaxes and centers the mind.
Bring one friend with you and share the cost together.
*Please wear comfortable clothing that allows your body to stretch.
Yoga Private