Yoga
“Yoga Is The Journey Of The Self, Through the Self, To The Self” ~ Bhagavad Gita
“Reconnect to your soul’s true essence and purpose through the practice of yoga as a lifestyle choice…”
Yoga is a science of right living and most effective when fully integrated in our daily lives alongside Ayurveda which complements and supports our practice and life in a holistic way.
The word Yoga means “unity” or “oneness” and is derived from the Sanskrit word “yug” which means “to join”, “to yoke” or “union”. This unity (of our human consciousness with the Divine consciousness, as well as feeling more connected to one another) is needed now more than ever across our global, planet earth community.
As humans we are the only living being on the planet aware of our own consciousness and have the ability to expand and develop our awareness. Therefore according to Yogic science – our mission in life is to connect with ourselves on this deepest level of soul and evolve spiritually.
As Swami Sivananda Saraswati described – Yoga brings balance, alignment and integration of our thoughts, feelings and actions, or head, heart and hand / the mind, body and spirit.
Yoga is a process and practice of continual self inquiry – becoming the observer and witness to every thought, word and action.
Indeed it is said that all individual life aims – whether it be consciously or unconsciously to flow towards this re-integration with Cosmic Life and towards wholeness and peace. Yoga therefore can be described as the very movement, impetus, unfolding and evolution of Life itself.
The universal truth that is yoga means that its teachings are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago.
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, outlines eight aspects or principles – as shown in the diagram (known as the “eight-limbs” or “eight fold path” of yoga, namely – Yamas, Niyamas, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi) – that take us from the physical, to the subtle, through to the absolute, and ultimately connection and mergence with the Universal consciousness, to experience complete oneness. – A sense of being connected with all that is and where there is no separate sense of “I”. These eight limbs are not only a path to reach the ultimate goal of self realisation, but can also be seen as aspects of our life orientation, giving guidance and tools on how to live our lives in the most beneficial, optimal and highest expression.
According to Patanjali, “Yoga is the complete control and calming of the operations of the mind” All levels of consciousness beyond the ordinary to the highest subliminal and cosmic layers unknown to ordinary awareness and everyday sciences.
This is the main purpose of Yoga to achieve a higher state of consciousness which goes way beyond the physical and mental, and to maintain this.
This however is a gradual process, and through my own experience the focus is initially on the process of purification of the body and mind, taking an integrated approach through the body, mind and emotions in preparation and readiness for accessing deeper levels of meditation and transcendence. Only once we have a healthy, balanced supported and stable foundation can we hope to attain the main goals of yoga and really get the most benefit and spiritual evolution from our practice.
Yoga is a holistic practice, in that it benefits the practitioner on all levels – body, mind, emotion and spirit. Some of the initial benefits of integrating a yoga practice into ones life are:-
On a Physical Level :-
- Improves muscle tone, strength and stamina
- Reduces stress and tension, lowers heart rate
- Boosts self-esteem
- Lowers body fat
- Improves circulation
- Stimulates the immune system
On a Subtle Level (Mental, Emotional and Spiritual):-
- Balancing and calming the nervous system
- Creates a sense of well-being, centeredness and calmness
- Improves concentration and creativity
- Increasing prana (life force energy)
- Balancing energy and raising energy in and throughout the chakra system
Balance is the key to creating an extraordinary life!
~Yoga ~
A Journey of Remembering and coming back to the Self
I have experience in and completed teacher trainings’ in Kundalini & Tantra yoga, Hatha yoga, Raja Yoga, Therapeutic Application of Yoga & Yoga for Enhancing Trauma Recovery.
I use a blended approach with the foundation of these teachings and classical Yoga Philosophy. My personal Sadhana, and that for sharing with others has been taught and passed to me by my first Guru, Sri Nandan Jii (Guru Jii).
The Yoga practice I share includes (but is not limited to):-
- Mantra chanting
- Hatha yoga asana (“ha” meaning sun and “tha” moon in Sanskrit – it is the balancing of masculine (solar) and feminine (lunar) energies)
- Focus on movement of subtle energies
- Pranayama – breathing techniques
- Meditation, Yoga Nidra
- Classical Yoga Philosophy
- Ritual and devotional practices
Visual representation and symbolism of "Ardhanareshvara" - Shakti Shiva - The Divine Union of feminine and masculine energies (each in their fullest development, but as two sides of the same organic reality). Representative of the ultimate union of individual soul or "atman" with the ultimate or supreme consciousness (God consciousness).
This is the ultimate goal of Tantra or indeed any type of Yoga.
I would love to share with you my knowledge of this yoga practice through either:-
- One to one Yoga lessons or
- Full mentor-ship program in which full Ayurvedic consultation is carried out, and doshic constitution is determined.
Based upon this advice and recommendations are given on diet, lifestyle, and herbal products. Personalised Sadhana (daily spiritual practice) / yoga lessons are shared. Unique adaptations /adjustments given where appropriate depending on clients needs, limitations and doshic constitution. Sacred mantras are also shared and practiced. Ongoing guidance and support are given as necessary via phone, email, or Whatsapp.
N.B – Strong commitment and dedication are required for this program to one’s own personal growth, ongoing spiritual practice, and evolution.
“Ones’ task is… to become conscious of the contents that press upward from the unconscious. Neither should he persist in his unconsciousness nor remain identical with the unconscious elements of his being, thus evading his destiny, which is to create more and more consciousness. As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.”
~ Carl Jung ~