Yoga is far from simply being physical exercises, rather it is an aid to establishing a new way of life which embraces both inner and outer realities. ~ Swami Satyananda |
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What is yoga?
The meaning of Yoga...
Yoga means the experience of unity, harmony and oneness. It is an experience involving body, mind, emotions and spirit.
Where did it originate?
Yoga first arose more than ten thousand years ago in India. It grew from the need to develop an understanding of the various aspects of our experience, from the physical through to the subtle. Throughout history it has proved an invaluable tool for dealing with the challenges of human existence.
What is Satyananda Yoga?
It is an internationally renowned system of yoga developed by Swami Satyananda Saraswati and his lineage, which incorporates practices derived from ancient and traditional sources. Satyananda Yoga uses practices in a classical way, asana (postures) to balance the body and mind through the physical body, pranayama (breathing practices) to work on the energy of the body and meditation to calm and focus the mind. It also takes a broader outlook by teaching and encouraging yogic lifestyles. Through the practice of hatha (physical) yoga the body is purified, preparing it for the more advanced stages of yoga.
How does Satyananda Yoga work?
Satyananda Yoga incorporates the whole person, not just the physical body – it promotes the balance between body, mind, emotions and spirit. There is an emphasis on awareness and students are encouraged to learn about all aspects of their personality through yoga. Through awakening individuals’ awareness and inherent self-healing powers, physical diseases and mental stress can be managed and relieved. By steadying the emotions and calming the mind, a sense of perspective can be gained, bringing a feeling of peace, freedom and inner strength.
A typical Satyananda Yoga class…
A typical class is 1½ hours long. It consists of asana (postures), pranayama (breathing practice), Yoga Nidra™ (deep relaxation) or meditation.
Asanas (Yoga Postures) improve health and flexibility, invigorate the body and remove energy blocks and tension. Asanas taught in Satyananda yoga classes are build up gently and systematically, ensuring that the body and mind is ready. They are experienced in a non-competitive, encouraging atmosphere with an emphasis on awareness. Most Shiva Health classes remain small to ensure individual attention and safety.
Pranayama (Breathing Practices) is the second major component of class. The aim of pranayama is to awaken, balance and expand prana (lifeforce energy) in the system. Pranayama is also useful for decreasing mental and emotional disturbances and inducing relaxation. Teaching begins with natural breath awareness and progresses to deep full breathing and onto a variety of tranquilising and revitalising practices.
Yoga Nidra™ is a simple, guided, deep relaxation done lying down. Often the favourite practice of yoga students, it is a powerful technique in which we learn to relax consciously. It has the power to develop memory, increase knowledge and creativity, cure diseases and transform the nature of the mind. It involves a systematic relaxation of all layers of being from physical to psychic. Yoga Nidra provides a blissful, soothing experience in which the body sleeps, the mind rests and the consciousness remains awake and aware. So much so, that 1 hour of Yoga Nidra is equivalent to 4 hours sleep!
Meditation expands awareness and develops calmness, tranquillity and focus, leading to a deeper understanding of our nature. It is also a very effective tool for increasing concentration, willpower and resistance to stress. In Satyananda Yoga, meditation techniques are taught very systematically, over a period of time and sessions which may cover body awareness, breath awareness, inner observation and mantra (sound).