Welcome!

"yoga is like music
the rhythm of the body,
the melody of the mind
and the harmony of the soul
create the symphony of life"

BKS Iyengar

What is Yoga?

Yoga is a profound system of holistic health which originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It was first put into written form as the Yoga Sutras, by the author Patanjali. Since the original treatise was in Sanskrit, there are many translations and interpretations. Yoga is defined in the sutras as having eight limbs or branches. It is the third limb "Asana", which refers to postures or Yoga poses that most people perceive as Yoga. The study of asana, meditation and breathing techniques is called Hatha Yoga.

Benefits of Yoga

The practice of Yoga
is an extraordinary means
to achieve physical
and mental well being.

The word “yoga” means joining or connecting. It’s an ancient holistic tradition that unites body, mind, and spirit - bringing these into harmony and balance. Hatha yoga is a mindful practice which focuses on physical strengthening, flexibility and detoxification of the body. Hatha yoga also focuses the mind and allows you to be more in charge of your thought process. Present moment awareness and compassion are practiced throughout class. Breathing and meditation practices are introduced.

Some of the many benefits of practicing Hatha yoga are:

- reduction of stress and anxiety
- lower back pain relief
- improved flexibility
- increased stamina and energy
- toned and strengthened muscles
- better posture
- improved circulation
- better digestion
- weight loss
- a stronger immune system

- and a myriad of mental benefits such as the experience of clarity, focus, happiness

In addition, research has shown that yoga helps manage or improve a wide range of conditions including: arthritis· asthma· high blood pressure· carpal tunnel syndrome· chronic fatigue· depression, diabetes· headaches· heart disease.

Yoga is also the perfect partner to your existing exercise program or favorite sports activities. Whether you love playing golf or tennis, jogging, weight lifting, biking, or skiing, yoga will enhance your performance! And, it doesn’t require expensive equipment. Yoga is appropriate for all ages and can be modified according to your age, physique, and health profile.

The eight limbs of Yoga:

The first four stages of Patanjali's ashtanga yoga concentrate on refining our personalities, gaining mastery over the body, and developing an energetic awareness of ourselves, all of which prepares us for the second half of this journey, which deals with the senses, the mind, and attaining a higher state of consciousness.

1. Yama: restraints, ethics, societal guidelines, your attitude toward others ~ non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, continence and moderation in all of our activities, and non-greed

2. Niyama: observances and internal practices that develop inner strength, your attitude toward yourself ~ purification, contentment, self-discipline, self-study, devotion
Asana: In the yogic view, the body is a temple of spirit, needing care and concentrated poses for preserving vital energy

3. Asana: In the yogic view, the body is a temple of spirit, needing care and concentrated poses for preserving vital energy

4. Pranayama: “life force extension” using breath as energy

5. Pratyahara: withdrawal of the senses, directing our attention internally.

6. Dharana: focused mind, concentration of the citta upon an object

7. Dhyana: meditation, undisturbed flow of thought around the object of meditation, ultimately a state of being keenly aware without focus.

8. Samadhi: achieving the higher consciousness, oneness in meditation, bliss. The meditator comes to realize a profound connection to the Divine, an interconnectedness with all living things. With this realization comes the "peace that passeth all understanding"; the experience of bliss and being at one with the Universe.

"Neither genius, fame, nor love show the greatness of the soul. Only kindness can do that." -Jean Baptiste Henri Lacordaire, preacher, journalist and activist (1802-1861)