Presence in Yoga
People come to yoga for different reasons: to stretch the body, to deal with backache, to de-stress, to build strength, to energise, to relax, to discover a deeper sense of who they are, or just to feel good. All are possible.
Yoga postures are called 'asana' from the Sanskrit root meaning 'to sit', or even more significantly 'to be present'.
My teaching is rooted in a classical Indian yoga tradition which also acknowledges the different circumstances of present day life in the West. The principle of finding the appropriate yoga practice for the individual is central to this tradition.
Around 2000 years ago, Patanjali defined yoga thus: "Yoga is the settling of the activities of the mind into stillness."
Times change, but the human condition is still the same: we are confused and distracted, and we seek peace, happiness and understanding.
Yoga practice brings us back home to our bodies; from calmness and steadiness in the body we discover a calm steady quality of presence, and the opportunity arises to discover our natural wisdom.
Funnily enough, the ancient teachings also say:
"Just reading about yoga is not enough, nor is wearing yoga clothes, or just talking about it. The secret of success is practice, there is no doubt."
Are you ready?
Start now.