How yoga works
The word yoga means union. It is an experience of unity and oneness, involving the mind, the body, emotions and spirit.
Yoga grew thousands of years ago with the need to develop and understanding of the physical and mental body and the various aspects of our existence. It works on the body through the body itself and has an optimistic outlook, imbuing the mind with positive energy. A fundamental tenet of its philosophy is the ‘future pain is to be avoided’.
Satyananda yoga is an internationally renowned system of yoga developed from ancient and traditional sources by Swami Satyananda Saraswati. It incorporates the whole person, not just the physical body and promotes the balance between body, mind and emotions.
The yoga classes and 90 minutes long consisting of asana (physical practice), pranayama (breathing practice) Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation) or meditation. The classes are taught systematically, over a period of time, to increase body awareness, suppleness, strength, breath awareness and inner observation. By awakening awareness and inherent self-healing powers, disease and stress can be managed or relieved.
Asanas are practised for 45 minutes to increase strength and flexibility and to remove energy blocks. The classes are built up gently and systematically in a non-competitive and encouraging atmosphere. This is followed by breathing practices to build breath awareness, awaken and balance the prana or energy within the body. The last 20-30 minutes is for simple, guided, deep relaxation which later progresses to meditation.