What is Yoga?

The word 'yoga' comes from the Sanskrit word 'yoke', which means 'to join'. So what is it that yoga is aiming to join? - It is the union of body with the mind, body and spirit.

Yoga is often misconcieved as a form of exercise or as solely a physical practice of different postures (asanas) but yoga encompasses much more than this. It is designed to assist us in all aspects of life. Yoga is, in fact, often referred to as a science of life.

When we learn to unite the body, mind and spirit through the pratice of yoga, we allow a natural, harmonious state of being to enter our lives, which carries joy into all that we do. Our awareness is heightened, we learn to live more fully in the present moment, and we begin to appreciate, on a new level, the true wonder of living. 

This merging of a healthy body with a peaceful mind is also traditionally used as a tool to advance us on our path of spiritual enlightenment.

 
What Style of Yoga is Taught?

Yoga Sivana teaches yoga in the traditional sense of the word. All classes and workshops are designed with the aim of uniting body, mind and spirit for the purpose of bringing health and joy to our lives.

The physical asana practice is taught in line with Patanjali's traditional Ashtanga yoga, which focuses on maintaining the asanas with comfort to get the full benefits from each pose. This style of teaching helps to avoid any strain or injury which may result from pushing beyond the limits of what a student is currently capable of acheiveing. Patanjali aslo emphasises slow and steady movements in and out of the asanas, which means that the overall practice is relaxing and gentle on our bodies, making it perfect for people of all levels.

As Patanjali's teachings do not specify which asanas are to be practised in our sessions, we take our postures from the Hatha tradtion of yoga. The style of yoga taught at Yoga Sivana could therefore be classed as a fusion of Hatha Yoga with the basic principals of Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga. We also integrate various aspects of Kundalini yoga which focuses on the subtle energies within the body, with the occasional use of props, as taught by Iyengar.

Our classes tend to incorporate aspects of meditation and pranayama (controlled breathing techniques) into each session which help with relaxation and awareness. However, the asana practice itself is designed to be a form of relaxation and meditation. We believe that yoga should on focus on reducing the stress in our life, rather than adding to it. This is why we ask you to be gentle on yourself during classes. Try not to compare yourself with others. Yoga is an individual practice and we are each at different levels along the journey.

What are the Benefits of Yoga?

As it is commonly known, yoga has many physical benefits such as inceased flexibility and inner core strength, muscle tone and an improvement in general fitness levels. It is also commonly used to help with weight loss, to reduce blood pressure, improve the function of the internal organs and promote a healthier lifestyle. 

Aside from these physical benefits, yoga also has many mental benefits. It relaxes us; reducing stress and anxiety, improves our concentration, can help boost our confidence and promotes general mental well-being.

Yoga has also become increasingly used for its theraputic benefits in treating many ailments and common health problems. Asthma, Depression, Digestive problems, Arthritis, Insomnia, High Blood Pressure, Obesity, Back and Neck problems are just a few of the conditions which yoga can assist with.

Please inform us of any current or prior health problems before you begin practing yoga. If you are unsure of anything, just ask.