Yoga, once a mysterious set of physical contortions and mystical practices has firmly established itself within the mainstream culture of almost every city, and many small towns, throughout the West. However, much of the yoga practiced in the West focuses primarily on the physical and does not take into account the emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of the human being.
Yoga offers a full degustation menu of practices yet we continue to sample the first course only and have yet to discover the subtle flavours, delights, depths and complexities of the other practices. We can't possibly make it to dessert if we never get past the first course!
Yoga certainly includes the practice of asana (physical postures) which many of us are increasingly familiar with. But this is only a small representation of the totality of Yoga, further limbs of Yoga include ethical and moral codes—called the yamas and the niyamas, pranayama (breathing practices designed to enhance and increase life force and energy), Meditation practices (including pratyahara - sense withdrawal, dharana - concerntration, dhyana - meditation on the divine and samadhi -the highest state of meditation in which union with the universe is experienced) , Shatkarmas (cleansing practices), Mantra (repetition of sacred sounds), Yantra (use of an object or sacred geometrical design during meditation) and Philosophy. Unfortunately most of these deeper practices have become lost amidst the popularity of asana and may be some of the missing keys to finding true yogic strength, power, and transformation, both on and off the mat.
Yoga offers a full degustation menu of practices yet we continue to sample the first course only and have yet to discover the subtle flavours, delights, depths and complexities of the other practices. We can't possibly make it to dessert if we never get past the first course!
Yoga certainly includes the practice of asana (physical postures) which many of us are increasingly familiar with. But this is only a small representation of the totality of Yoga, further limbs of Yoga include ethical and moral codes—called the yamas and the niyamas, pranayama (breathing practices designed to enhance and increase life force and energy), Meditation practices (including pratyahara - sense withdrawal, dharana - concerntration, dhyana - meditation on the divine and samadhi -the highest state of meditation in which union with the universe is experienced) , Shatkarmas (cleansing practices), Mantra (repetition of sacred sounds), Yantra (use of an object or sacred geometrical design during meditation) and Philosophy. Unfortunately most of these deeper practices have become lost amidst the popularity of asana and may be some of the missing keys to finding true yogic strength, power, and transformation, both on and off the mat.
Although Yoga is excellent at helping the practitioner to improve flexibility, strength, endurance, fitness, body awareness and posture. It also has a place when working with hormonal imbalance, conditions related to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, diabetes, breathing difficulties and illlnesses, arthritis, auto immune deficiency conditions, chronic fatigue, digestive and reproductive issues, musculo-skeletal injuries, back and spinal injury and in recovery and rehabilitation. Yoga can also offer great relief during times of anxiety, depression and other nervous conditions.
At SATYAM we have been fortunate to train with teachers who are pioneers in the field of Yoga but have roots in a strong traditional practice handed down from teacher to student. These teachers have taken up the challenge to deliver a more holistic and complete set of practices and guidelines in the field of Yoga.
At SATYAM we are interested in how Yoga can nurture, support, heal and bring balance to our busy, often over-stimulated lives. We offer classes and personalised sessions which not only meet your fitness goals but can also bring about deep change, healing and transformation. Whatever your needs or intentions, no matter how big or small, together we can work toward opening the doorways you need to walk through to realise these goals. Contact us today to take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced and complete you. |
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