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Information on the Classes Available

What is Yoga

Yoga can mean many things to many people. To some it may be a lifestyle, a spiritual path, a philosophy, or a science.  To others it may simply be a system of exercise, or way to relax after a stressful day.

The word 'Yoga' means 'union', 'yoke', or 'joining together'.  The union of the individual soul with the 'Universal Spirit'.  Or, on a more Western level, it is the union of the body with the mind and of the mind with the spirit.  Yoga is about the balancing of the mind and the body using the breath.  Yoga is in fact a 'state' of being - the state of 'samadi' a state of 'meditation', or 'being totally at one with the Self'.

The science of yoga is divided into several branches - the best known are 'Karma Yoga' - the yoga of action, Jnana Yoga - the yoga of knowledge/wisdom, Raja Yoga - the yoga of enlightenment/meditation and Hatha yoga - the yoga that is the path to Raja Yoga.

Yoga arose at the beginning of human civilisation, when man first realside his spiritual potential.  In ancient time yoga techniques were kept secre, not written down, but passed on from teacher to student by word of mouth.  References to yoga were first found in texts which date back to hundreds of years B.C. We need to remember that the origins of yoga are centuries old when ways of life were vastly removed from ours today and the lives we now lead.  Today we tend to practise asanas, (postures) and pranayama (breathing) for the practical benefits to the health and the nervous system, glands, vital organs, muscles and joints etc, rather that in search for higher self enlightenment and we really only skim the surface of true yoga. 

At Yoga for Harmony we offer classes in a wide range of systems and styles of 'modern' yoga, although we specialise in Hatha Yoga.  There are details of our classes listed below.

Hatha Yoga

'Hatha' Yoga is the system of yoga most commonly practised in the West and it arguably forms the basis of most of the modern yogas that are practised today.  Hatha Yoga is the branch of yoga that deals with the physical body, its care, its well being, its health, its strength and all that keeps it in normal state of health. Hatha yoga is sometimes decribed as 'posture' yoga because of its emphasis in the use of 'asana' or posture work as the core practise.  However, most classes include some attention to breathing (pranayama), relaxation and meditation techniques.  Some classes also include 'kriyas' which are cleansing practises, 'mudras' and 'bandhas' which are gestures, seals and locks which increase the effects of the asana practises.

The Sanskritt workd 'Hatha' means 'the will', 'the force', 'power', or 'energy.  It also means 'sun/moon' the implication being that hatha yoga is also the union of complementary, but opposite tendencies with the mind and body.

'Hatha' yoga particularly focuses on spinal health,  which houses the central nervous system, the essential link between body and mind.  The spine is fundamental to good posture.  Too often we spend our daily life sitting hunched over a desk, or driving in an uncomfortable position.  Stress can create tension throughout the whole body  and result in poor spinal health.  Most of us are, therefore, susceptible to varying degrees of back discomfort, or pain.  A collapsed or hunched spine also compresses the lungs, reducing our intake of oxygen, which in turn can manifest in other health problems later in life.  The benefits of a regular yoga practise enhances our spinal health, respiratory health, the cardiovascular system, the endocrine system, the digestive system the nervous system and the immune system. In addition we find that students gain both in flexibily and mobility as well as strength and often general toning of the body.

At the studio we offer a range of Hatha Yoga classes to suit all ages, abilities and experience, and at a selection of times during the week.  Typically at a class you can expect to experience some breathing practise, some posture work and some relaxation.

Flow Yoga

A form of traditional Hatha Yoga using the breath to create a continuous flow of postures which tone and strengthen the body, improve posture and leave the mind and body calm and relaxed.  Classes usually begin with time to relax, move on to simple movements to warm up and prepare, bringing awareness to the breath and body. Postures are then explained individually before bringing them together to make a flowing sequence, afterwhich there is time for relaxation.

Hot Yoga

This style of yoga is  performed in a heated room. Strength and flexibility work together to create harmony in the body. The heat facilitates stretching, prevents injury and promotes sweating which aids detoxification. The class is suitable for all ages, levels of ability and fitness.

Pregnancy Yoga

Yoga during pregnancy enables a woman to connect more strongly with her baby.  The Asanas or postures, influence the body, mind and emotions on many levels.  During pregnancy the body is preparing for the physically demanding and spiritual experience of giving birth.  Yoga helps you to prepare by strengthening and opening the body and practising many postures which might instinctively be chosen for an active birth.

Breathing and relaxation form an important part of the yoga practise, as do hand-outs and discussions.  Yoga for Pregnancy aims to help you as a mother gain more control of your pregnanc.y and birthing experience.  These classes are open to anyone from 14 weeks of pregnancy to birthing.  

Postnatal Yoga and 'Baby' Yoga

Great demands are made on the body during pregnancy, and so now that your baby has arrived it is time for you to gently but firmly work towards restoring yourself to your former glory!!  Postnatal Yoga works on restoring all areas of your body, particularly the pelvic floor muscles which respond to gentle and progressive attention.

Your baby will benefit from Baby Yoga which aims at enjoyable strengthening the bond between you and your baby - so important for a secure and happy childhood.  The gentle movements practiced in Baby Yoga will help relax your baby and help colic conditions and discomfort in his new interanl organs.  This in turn will decrease crying caused by discomfort and hopefully will aid sleep for both mother and baby. 

Postnatal/Baby Yoga aims to be enjoyable and socialbe for all taking part

Restorative Yoga

Restorative or Therapeutic Yoga is the use of yoga practice to alleviate symptoms from common conditions.  The classes include gentle postures appropriate for your condition, as well as breathing practices, relaxation techniques, and meditation.  You do not need any previous experience, or to be 'fit', or flexible to join this class.   

Sivananda Yoga

This system of yoga was developed by Swani Sivananda and his disciple, Swami Vishnu-Devananda. It was derived from the teachings of Maharishi Patanjali, who wrote the 'Yoga Sutras' (Aphorisms of Yoga) around two thousand three hundred years or so ago.

Sivananda Yoga uses postures, breathing, meditation and relaxation techniques which are neither slow nor fast-paced but combine graceful energetic movements with breathing and you come away feeling refreshed and relaxed.  Sivananda Yoga, like other systems of yoga, is completely holistic in its approach and works subtly on deeper levels of consciousness. 

Yoga Bugs

YogaBugs is an imaginative, dynamic and inspired way of bringing the benefits of yoga to children ages 2 1/2 to 7 years old. Traditional yoga postures, breathing and relaxation techniques are taught through exciting story adventures that capture the children's imagination whilst enabling them to enjoy the beneficial practice of Yoga. Some of the overall benefits to children are improved concentration levels, better sleep patterns, greater self-esteem and a stronger immune system.

Power Pilates

Power Pilates is a classical method of teaching (meaning original to Joseph Pilates teachings), working the body from the inside out.  Strengthening the core muscles deep within the body first creates stability.  Once the core is stable you can safely work the full body bringing it into correct alignment. Pilates reshapes the body, which will become leaner and longer, improving your posture, achieving the perfect balance of strength and flexibility.  This Pilates Mat Class will focus on executing movements with good techniques and correct breathing to maximise your workout.

Meditation Sessions - 'Meditation and its Practice'

Meditation means to Attend to the Here and Now!!

Its purpose is to:

* Calm and focus the mind resulting in awareness, clarity and a sense of joyfulness - a natural release from nerves and mental symtoms of stress.

* Teach us how not to be disturbed by the flood of thoughts, images and emotions arising from the unconscious mind.

* Go beyond the conscious and unconscious mind to the highest state of consciousness - to connect with our inner teacher, essential nature and realize our true potential.

The aim of the sessions are to introduce, guide and practice the methods, as taught and inspired by the teachings of Swami Rama and The Himalayan Tradition, which facilitate the skills necessary to be able to Meditate.

Steps of a meditation session will include:-

1) Preparation, philosophical framework and application to everyday life.

2) Yoga Asanas to release tension in the body and prepare for sitting in Meditation.

3) Relaxation.

4) Breathe Awareness/Pranayama.

5) Concentration/Meditation

The specific content of each step and session will depend on the needs and inclinations of those attending.

'Meditation means gathering the forces of our scattered minds so that they become channels of concentrated energy to help accomplish whatever it is that we seek to accomplish with our lives'. Swami Veda Bharati.

Qi Gong/ T’ai Chi . . .

Qi Gong is a holistic system of self-healing exercises and meditation, an ancient evolving practice, based on the Taoist principles of Yin and Yang. T’Ai Chi is a form of Qi Gong and is a moving meditation, a series of movements grouped together to make the ‘form’. Qi Gong and T'Ai Chi exercises focus on the mind, posture, breathing and movement stimulating the flow of Qi along the meridians.

Qi Gong and T’Ai Chi exercises can help:

• Increase internal strength
• Improve co-ordination, balance, flexibility, and mobility
• Reduce hypertension, improve immune system
• Strengthen bones and tone up muscles
• Relax the mind and calm the nervous system