What is Yoga

The word "yoga" means union. To join together. It is the union of the BODY (physical), MIND (mental) and SOUL (emotional, spiritual). Yoga originated in India six thousand years ago. Today yoga is practised by many millions of people worldwide. It is not a religion but can be spiritual.

Yoga in its original form is the practice of physical positions (called postures or asanas or stretches) and breathing exercises (called pranayama). Our approach adds a meditative element, so that the practitioner is focussing inwards on body and breath as he/she moves. We connect the body and the mind via deep breathing and conscious awareness.

Prana is considered the "life force". Other traditions call it chi or spirit - it is that which animates all beings. It is energy, vitality, breath. In yoga prana is regulated via breathing deeply while doing physical exercises.

Through yoga one can awaken prana within and with a regular ongoing yoga practise, develop a sense of overall well-being in daily life. This in turn leads to happiness, good health, a sense of love, acceptance and connectedness to all others. Simply put, yoga is the art of becoming a whole and loving person, towards oneself and others.

Initially, most people are drawn to Yoga for the physical benefits, and/or to help deal with the stress in their lives. Many find that through regular practise the overall benefits are many. Yoga helps improve many of these aspects of our being:

• alignment,
• posture,
• strengthening and toning,
• concentration,
• focus,
• balance,
• weight stabilization,
• stress-relief,
• overall outlook,
• flexibility (of mind and body),
• peacefulness
• calmness
• mobility

• asthma,
• hypertension,
• respiratory conditions,
• heart conditions,
• stress,
• tension,
• depression,
• obesity,
• menopause,
• arthritis,
• bowel conditions,
• digestion.