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Originally<\/strong> Yoga was one of the six orthodox Indian Philosophies, a \u2019Darsana\u2019 or way of thinking.\u00a0 The word Yoga means to join together. Through meditative practices the ancient yogi (a practitioner of Yoga) could unite his inner being (the Self) to everything else and in this transcendent state find \u2018Reality\u2019. A complete adept could transcend beyond the Self and find Samadhi (complete bliss). \u00a0Most of us won\u2019t be ready for such great leaps and some of us might not be ready yet to find \u2018reality\u2019.<\/p>\nToday <\/strong>almost all Yoga practiced in the West is Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga offers a total approach to body and mind.\u00a0 Yoga classes typically involve some centring, bringing focus into the present time and place and moving away from the concerns of our everyday lives.\u00a0 Some limbering,\u00a0to warm up the joints and muscles,<\/span> might follow. The main part of the class will involve asanas (postures).\u00a0 Asanas can be performed statically or dynamically, using the breath to move into or deepen the posture. There might be some Pranayama (breathing exercises) and a period of relaxation.<\/p>\n Breath<\/strong> is the key to yoga practice. Practising without breath awareness is not yoga. By working with the breath we unite the body and the mind. Unlike more strenuous forms of exercise the controlled movements of physical Yoga practice combined with deep Yoga <\/strong>can benefit everyone and can be practiced by anyone regardless of age, gender, ability or experience. Correctly taught and practised Yoga is completely safe.\u00a0 Yoga is non-competitive. It should challenge but there should be no strain or discomfort.\u00a0Yoga brings many benefits physically and mentally and is a great way to help people deal with the stresses of everyday life. Yoga may allow you to reflect on your life and lifestyle and affect change. Physically Yoga addresses the whole body and the whole being.<\/p>\n Over time:<\/strong> At the end of a Yoga class you should feel relaxed yet energised. Your body should feel realigned. Your mind and body should feel rejuvenated.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" There seems great confusion as to what Yoga is. \u00a0To some Yoga is purely physical whilst to others it is more to do with the mind, a form of stress relief. The answer is somewhere between the two. Originally Yoga was one of the six orthodox Indian Philosophies, a \u2019Darsana\u2019 or way of thinking.\u00a0 The … Continue reading About Yoga<\/span>
\nbreathing oxygenates the blood, generating more energy. \u00a0Deep breathing calms the mind and together with the increase in energy, helps the mind to become clearer, more alert and more able to focus. We learn from practice that we achieve more, physically and mentally, by letting go. We stop fighting resistance and simply wait for the muscles and soft tissue to release.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.yoga-durham.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/IMG_3915_edited-1-PNG_edited-1-225x300.png\" "\\"IMG_3915_edited-1")
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