What is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient, eastern spiritual practice using metaphysical philosophy and postures which dates back more than 5000 years.
This time honored tradition has explored every dimension of life and being. It is a scientific system of total development, physically, mentally and spiritually.
Yoga caters universally. Whether you are a professional, academic, mother, senior or child, the yogic way can be incorporated and intergraded into your life.
The sanskrit word (ancient language of india) ‘‘yug’’ means ‘‘yoke’’ or ‘’to join’’ which is where the name yoga derives from. Essentially, it means we as human beings are all connected to one another as part of the whole universe.
The concept behind the yoga theory is that we understand our connection and union with one another and to the ‘’absolute whole’’. It is to aid us to live more consciously and learn to banish ignorance.
Yoga is the path to liberation and enlightenment through the practice and understanding of how to let go of material desires and free the spirit. It is a true representation of ‘‘simple living’’ yet ‘‘high thinking’’.
It is a valuable resource for those who seek to find the ultimate truth within themselves and live their daily life as a ‘‘yogi’’.
In the west, yoga is identified by its postures and attaining a lean and toned body. Whilst these are some of the benefits, there are many other branches associated with yoga.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DOING YOGA?
- Improve posture, strength & flexibility
- Reduce stress & anxiety
- Improve circulation & skin tone
- Calm the mind gaining clearer perspective & inner peace
- Improve & release back tension
- Build up immune system & balance all other body systems
- Improve sleep & feel more energized
- (central nervous, endocrine, respiratory & circulatory)
- Improve concentration & awareness
LADAN'S EXPERIENCE OF YOGA
Ladan has been fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to study and be trained in Yoga by the top masters and gurus in India and the US.
I teach Sivananada yoga. This is a very popular style of yoga, which is Hatha based. I studied this technique in the Himalayas, focusing on many asanas, breathing techniques and meditation.
I have also been trained in Ashtanga yoga primary series ''mysore style". This type of yoga is much more dynamic and powerful. My practice and training was completed at Brahmananda Ashram in San Francisco.
My classes vary in styles. In general, I work with my classes’ level and group energy spontaneously. Sometimes I teach a real power orientated flow yoga as my personal practice is Jivamukti, which is a vinyasa based type of yoga. The word Vinyasa means “breath-synchronized movement.” In other words, the teacher will instruct you to move from one pose to the next on an inhale or an exhale. This technique is sometimes also called Vinyasa Flow, or just Flow because of the smooth way that the poses run together and become like a dance.
Other times, the class may be a very deep practice of the mind, breath and meditation.
My personal practice of yoga is very mind and spiritually orientated. In fact, the postures come second as I know from my own experience, when my mind is calm and still, my postures will be more steady and stronger. The whole purpose is to surrender the body and completely let go of all your thoughts and attachments by staying focused and in the present. Once you really ''let go'' then you will gain a sense of peace and bliss throughout your practice.
