What is Yoga?
‘You cannot do yoga. Yoga is your natural state. What you can do are yoga exercises, which may reveal to you where you are resisting your natural state.’ ~Sharon Gannon
“It’s okay to lust for the future and treasure the past but remember, being in the moment is a gift, that’s why they call it the present.” —Lee Siber
WHAT IS YOGA?
Yoga is both a science and an art which combines dynamic postures, breathing techniques and guided relaxation to balance the energy flow of the body and integrate the spiritual, psychological and physical
aspects of one’s being, resulting in the experience of deep mental and physical relaxation as well as a heightened sense of self-awareness. In this state, the healing power of the body activates itself as life force is free to flow to areas where it is most needed. Yoga facilitates the reconnection with the body as you draw your energy ‘out of your mind’ and’ into your body’ where you are then able to expand into your natural state of harmony and balance. The three major components of yoga are:
1. Pranayama (breathing)
Breath is the essence of life and unlike the mind, which lingers somewhere in the future or the past, breath lives in the present moment. Breath is the carrier of energy or life force (chi, prana, ki, etc.) that is needed to sustain our day to day life. It flows through a number of subtle energy channels throughout the body known as meridians and nadis. Breathing practices are used to bring rest to the mind and direct the energy flow to places in the body where it is stagnated or blocked. When we consciously connect to our breath in any given moment, we invite life force to flow in and fill the cells. Stress arises from the inability to disconnect from thinking as continuous thinking depletes the life force within the body. Yoga breathing practices balance brainwave activity and emotional states as well as infuse the body with an abundance of life force energy.
2. Yoga Postures
Yoga postures are highly therapeutic as they have been intentionally designed to release tension from the various organs and systems of the body while balancing the central nervous system. Body movement through postures creates immediate stress relief and balances not only the physiological state of the body, but also the energy flow throughout the body by opening up and balancing the major energy centres and channels of the body (chakras and meridians).
3. Guided Relaxation
Guided Relaxation utilizes the power of the mind to guide the body to release tension from all of its parts and organs. Auto-suggestion promotes conscious relaxation and restores the body to its natural state of balance.
Benefits of Yoga
Physical:
- Neutralizes the effects of stress
- Reverses the aging process
- Decreases blood pressure
- Increases energy levels and vitality
- Decreases muscle tension
- Improves digestion and removal of toxins
- Increases secretion of endorphins
- Improves sleeping patterns
- Increases mind/body integration
- Accesses the body’s natural ability to heal itself
- Improves function of glands & internal organs
- Balances hormones
- Increases flexibility & muscle tone
- Balances the nervous system
Psychological:
- Increases alpha brainwaves
- Enhances communication between left/right hemispheres of the brain
- Increases mental agility
- Improves expression of emotions as they arise
- Brings the body to the present moment
- Increases concentration and ability to focus
- Decreases debilitating emotions such as anxiety, fear, anger, depression, etc.
- Allows for the detachment from thought (observation without identification)
- Improves ability to control thoughts
- Increases motivation and empathy
- Increases creativity and spontaneity, humour and optimism
Spiritual:
- Increases self-awareness
- Allows for easier acceptance of self and others
- Connects with one’s True Self
- Creates a connection with Source Energy
- Promotes the experience of joy and inner peace
- Directs towards the experience of wholeness and overall well-being
Yoga Classes
All classes are held at your location. If you would like to schedule a class for your Special Event or Private Group, please contact Natalia to discuss your needs.
