- What is yoga?
I love this question. And my answer has changed over the years when someone has asked me this. It’s as complex as it is simple. Yoga is something different for each of us. For me, yoga is moving my body through a series of poses (both invigorating and restorative) to allow my mind to quieten. It is also a way of approaching every day life.
- Is yoga tied to any religions?
Yoga is an age-old movement, dating back 10,000 years to ancient India. While it is part of Buddhism and uses Sanskrit to describe the different poses or asanas, yoga is not bound to any strict set of rules but it has some gentle guideless, called Yamas and Niyamas, which you may (or may not) choose to incorporate into your life.
For me, yoga is secular (non-religious).
- How often do I need to do yoga for it to be effective?
Well, like anything, whether it’s cooking, reading or learning a language the more consistent you practice the more you are likely you are to get something from it…but you can do a five-minute breath practice or one hour asana practice and feel an immediate sense of relaxation and calm. Research shows us that a regular practice has a cumulative effect.
You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great. (Zig Ziglar)
- Why can’t I just do yoga online?
You certainly can, and there are many high-standard offerings from many yoga studios and shalas around the world, which is brilliant. And it’s so convenient to be able to access these teachers at any time of the day or night from the comfort and safety of your own home.
If you are new to yoga, it’s a lovely way to check out the different forms of yoga (Hatha, Iyenga, Gita, Kundalini, Vinyasa flow, Yin… along with breath practice, called Pranayama) and the incredibly talented teachers.
For me though, I love the connection you feel when with others physically at the same time. You can feel an energetic connection. It’s like finding your tribe. Hanging out with mates and like-minded people.
Also, if you are new to yoga, I believe it is very helpful to have a teacher guide you into and out of the poses to minimise the chance of injury and to explain the ‘why’ for you. Then, online classes, which take a broader, one-size-fits all approach, can be used to compliment your yoga practice.
- Do I need to be flexible to do yoga?
NO! Quite the opposite. Yoga is about being mindful as you move through the poses. And sometimes being flexible means you can be tempted just hang out in the poses without activating your muscles and mind, and in fact increasing your chance of injury. Sometimes being a ‘stiffy’ is the best
- I’ve never done yoga before, can I do it?
Before starting any exercise regime it’s always good to check with your health practionner however yoga is accessable for everyone. The yoga poses can be adapted to each and every body – because none of us are the same. As adults, we have 206 bones but we are all built anatomically and skeletally differently and our joints have their own range of motion. And even within our own body, we are different from one side to the next. Our bodies are as unique as our fingerprints. Aren’t we wonderful!
- What happens when you meditate?
Everything and nothing! Just come to the practice with curiosity and kindness and no expectations. One thing’s for sure…you are not going to lose your mind or join a crazy cult. In fact, you might actually find your mind.
- I can’t meditate because I can’t sit still or empty my head of thoughts. What do you suggest?
You are not alone with this feeling. If you have trouble sitting still or can’t stop the thoughts, that’s OK. You can’t stop your mind from thinking but you can learn to quieten or slow those thoughts. And the key is not engaging with those thoughts. It’s actually really simple, just sometimes not easy!
- How do I know if yoga is for me?
You don’t! But why not give it a go and see – otherwise you will never know.
- I’m interested in hearing more, what’s the next step?
Get in touch via email or the phone.
- How much do you charge for private classes, group classes, school groups, sports and gym classes and covers?
Get in touch via email or the phone so I can tailor something for you.
“Life isn’t about how hard you can hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward”
Rocky Balboa