be*loved yoga - what is yoga?

about yoga

in my experience i have found that bringing more harmony into the body through the practices of asana (steady postures of the body) and pranayama (breath exercises), i have more energy, my health has improved and my mind has become more calm. this creates a strong foundation for meditation practice, which has opened me up to living life with more presence, ease, gratitude and joy. study of spiritual and religious teachings encourage me to live in harmony with my surroundings, my community and myself. the more i practice, the more i know that there is something beautiful, powerful and deeply transformational afoot in the mundane details of life.

this is why i love yoga - the whole path, not just the physical exercises. it is a joy and a treasure to be on this path and see what the next adventure brings! i offer yoga classes from my desire to help people connect to the peace and joy that is already within, using awareness and refinement of the body as a starting place. each person has their own journey to make and when we join together in community and practice, we are strengthened and inspired.

be*loved yoga

in this approach to yoga, the breath is central. all movement and stillness floats on the breath, which is also used as tool for experiencing the present moment. classes include pranayama (breathing practices), energetic warm-ups such as surya namaskar (sun salutations), sitting posture held for longer periods of time, balancing postures, deep relaxation at the end of the session and some mantra (chanting sacred sounds) for a holistic experience of yoga. variations are presented to help students adapt the practice to differing levels of strength and flexibility. ultimately, we come together to breathe and to smile! the strength and flexibility gained are the fringe benefits.

links

to learn more about the full practice of yoga, which is so much more than the physical practices that most people think of when they hear the word "yoga", here are some web pages that i find really helpful.

*** the 4 paths of yoga - action, devotion, wisdom and mental clarity

*** the 5 points of yoga - proper diet, exercise, relaxation, breathing and meditation

*** the yamas and niyamas: guidelines for wise-living - non-violence, truthfulness, wise use of energies, non-stealing, non-coveting, simplicity, purity, contentment, discipline, self-study and mindful living.

melinabondy(AT)yahoo.ca