Yoga (level 2)
with Sara Burns
This class is set at a continuing or intermediate level – for those that have done yoga 1 before and fancy a slightly more challenging stretch.
Yoga is the ancient art of balancing, strengthening and loosening our whole body. Yoga can vitalise our full physical, emotional and mental potential.
Yoga allows us to fulfil life's obligations without becoming overburdened
The Yoga exercises consist of controlled body postures, breath awareness and conscious relaxation.
Yoga is the ancient art of balancing, strengthening and loosening our whole body. Yoga can vitalise our full physical, emotional and mental potential.
The Yoga exercises consist of controlled body postures, breath awareness and conscious relaxation.
The BODY POSTURES are called ASANAS. They stimulate our circulation and our endocrine system. They make the body flexible, increase stamina and liberate us from negative stress effects. These postures consist of standing, sitting, bending, stretching and twisting positions.
The YOGA-BREATHING exercises strengthen the nervous and respiratory system. We learn to become aware of our in-breathing and non-breathing. These exercises stimulate the free flow of our bio-energy.
YOGA RELAXATION creates calmness in our mind and a oneness of body-emotion-mind and spirit.
With correctly and well instructed yoga exercises we are able to build a fit and strong body, gain and maintain health, bring out our natural intelligence and have an easy and flexible mind. All in all, we can obtain a better appreciation of life.
For your Yoga class please..
- Bring a rug or beach towel without fringes;
- During the warm season wear light and comfortable clothing and be barefoot;
- During the cold season, bring along a spare jumper and socks;
- It’s best not to wear jewellery and your watch, nor eat before class;
- Make sure that your nasal passages are free;
- Be sure to use the toilet before class;
- Be punctual!
- Start your yoga file for your reference pages.
Further background information.
The appeal of the Yoga courses that we instruct how to gain the ability to reconnect us to the forces of sun and moon with simple techniques so the body becomes more balanced, healthy and vibrant. The Body is the Temple of the soul and needs to be looked after on the physical level. Yoga leads you not only to physical wellness but also to a clearer perception of who we really are. Breath control extends our breath and thereby our well-being. Full lung capacity exerts gentle pressure on the liver, stomach and other organs and stimulates their normal function.
Relaxation in Yoga can be a brief, quiet lie down or a deeper, methodical relaxation of individual parts of the body. This leads to a detachment from the physical awareness, enabling a deep rest and calming of the mind. It allows the body to heal, repair and regenerate the nervous system.
An individual does not have to force themselves into difficult postures to practice Yoga. Benefit and enjoyment comes from simple methods and techniques. It is cost effective and doesn’t require props or equipment to develop health and vitality.
In conclusion, health and vitality creates happiness, happiness; happiness leads to contentment; contentment makes you feel connected with nature. When you’re connected you feel Love and Love is Great Spirit, which is force, Hatha, that flows through all things. This union is experience by choosing the classic path of Yoga.
Why do Yoga?
The short answer is that is makes you feel better. By practicing the postures, breathing and relaxation both your mind and body become healthier. It will increase your physical and mental fitness, which will enhance your experience of life. As you 'tune in' you also get to 'chill out'.
Some of the more specific benefits include:
- Improve muscle tone, strength and flexibility
- Improves joint mobility and overall posture
- Improved breathing which helps respiratory system
- Reduced effects of stress and tension and increased awareness of the need to relax
- Improved concentration and co-ordination
- Boost to the immune system and the metabolism which assists weight control
- Improves circulation
- Sense of well being and an 'energized calm'
Brief history
Yoga began as a spiritual practice in India over 5,000 years ago. It continues to evolve and can also be a philosophy that can complement other spiritual practices.
Yoga is a Sanskrit work (the classical Indian language) and it translates in English to 'union'. Hatha (Sun and Moon) Yoga is a commonly taught Yoga practice that means the practice of physical postures that help to bring unity and health to the body, mind, emotions and spirit.
The 8 week beginner course introduces students to the practice of Yoga postures, breathe in exercise and relation techniques. The classes are progressive with students building flexibility, strength and the ability to relax each week. Postures are re-visited and options and variations are given to suits individual needs. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a large towel or blanket. If you have issue with your neck pillow or cushion may also assist.