Yoga – the practice
Why I teach the practice of Yoga for Good Health & Calmness
To share with you that- which- i- experience. Which is; with right effort Yoga, as a system of mind, breathing, lifestyle & physical practices shows us how to to use our energy properly, awakens our-self to the sacredness of life and how to live from a place of peace. When we our peaceful within ourselves we help bring peace to the wider world.
What is the method of Yoga?
The practice is designed to cultivate a greater sense of refined concentration & consciousness, while building balanced vital energy. Which in turn will guide the – self towards the natural underlying experience of meditation that helps to clear our negative impulses.
It’s not beginners or advanced yoga, its yoga that everybody can come too. Some folk may have more practised experience, some folk have none, however the essence of Yoga for good health & calmness is that we all do the same practice. It will meet your willingness to use it as a tool for self- discovery. Not determined by how flexible, advanced or experienced one is. Age does not hinder the practice of Yoga for Good Health and Calmness, there is no obligation to “keep up” only that you bring right effort & attitude and be in the practice with your own rhythm. The physical postures are an important aspect of Yoga for good health and calmness, but not the focus.
Starting Yoga for the first time, learn more here
It is not about forcing and achieving beautiful postures or becoming more spiritual, or attached to a particular style. A Yoga for good health & calmness practice directs the mind inward rooted in the Niyama of self -study – Svadhyaya. Draws on systematic Yoga techniques & rituals, which allow a direct experience of the powerful ways to build vital life energy and equally to recognise when we need to make lifestyle adjustments in order to keep ourselves strong, develop our experience of peace, and maintain balance.
With more focused awareness from a regular practice you become receptive, relaxed and calm tuning into the truth of who you are: your own authority, (Sat)- truth (Chit) – consciousness (Ananda) – bliss
Embracing the whole system of Yoga…….
The foundations of Yoga facilitated by Carmen are interpretations, practice & teachings shared from the wider aspects of Yoga, that form a balanced practice of the whole system of Yoga the practice is not limited to a style of Hatha/Asana Yoga (physical postures).
Yoga techniques practiced are: Gentle Asana & Kriya, Nada Yoga, Affirmation, Pranayama, Mudra, Mantra, Dhyana & Meditation, Yoga Nidra & Chakra practice.
Equally, woven into the practice are Yama & Niyama – the living ethics of Yoga that explore the yogic aspect of right living & right attitude. Which aid to lift our awareness into expanded liberated states rather than contraction & bondage. Knowledge gleaned from Masters, Guru’s, teachers, the Sutras, and other valuable knowledge on Yoga combined with a personal 25 years of self led practice & experiential Yoga lifestyle. A practice which imparts that which is experienced as helpful in supporting, SELF discovery & up lifted consciousness; when we live in tune with our surroundings and experience deep peace, devotion & good health.
Whatever I teach, I also practice.
At the heart of Yoga for Good Health & Calmness is community service with a NO one turned away philosophy. A lack of money or hardship should not hinder eagerness for knowledge and well-being.
What if I am not flexible, or spiritual or I feel yoga is not active enough?
Yoga first and foremost is NOT limited to flexibility posturing or any kind of religious dogma. It is about settling mind, emotions and energy as we systematically refine our consciousness ( Satchidānanda) Relatively speaking – practising yoga as Asana only, is a pale comparison to what the whole system of Yoga although it is capable of offering a natural inclination for other aspects of the practice of Yoga. Yoga is active, (when united with the force of the mind, calm & focused attention) not passive. The key to using Yoga as practical tool that has unlimited potential, is to assure it is offered in a way which, serves as a living practice. Flexibility and age are not a prerequisite to practice, how physically flexible one is does not determine progress on the path of Yoga.
Can I come to Your class if I have Cancer or other illness?
Yes – if your energy feels good.
Yoga for good health & calmness – The Practice
Begins……….with simple techniques to develop the minds focused awareness: into the body and onto the breath. Observation of the layers of body, unite (yoga) the forces of the mind & breath then Yoga begins. Starting with the same techniques to calm ourselves, to set the foundation to practice from a place of neutrality, peace, awareness, and breathe consciousness.
In this way the practice is aimed for anyone. With a sustained practice we dive into the more subtle layers of being (koshas) and attune to energy systems (chakras) beyond the physical. We are reminded to not add tension to our practice instead find our place of equanimity – (to be in the practice and not desire it to somehow be different from it is ).
Common Techniques used include: Asana(physical postures) pranayama, (breath and prana development ) kriya’s (actions to cleanse and purify energy channels), mantra (to focus the mind) Nada ( inner sound) Mudra ( body & hand gestures ) affirmation, meditation, Yoga Nidra.
The combination of these aid to draw our senses inwards, strengthen, nourish & cleanse the bodily systems & focus the mind. Designed to develop a greater sense of refined concentration & consciousness. When practised from this awareness: Asana (physical postures) become a vehicle for directing prana (vital energy) to parts of the body that require healing, while also building a radiant life force.
It is the prana that heals, not the Asana itself.
Without focused attention on the free flow of energy in the body and on the breathe, Yogasana simply becomes posturing and can result to increased fixation on the body, rigidity of the mind & emotions.
How can I come to a class?
You are encouraged to come along and attend a class and see if this approach to yoga and Carmen as a teacher resonates with you. There is no expectation or obligation required from you. It is suggested you come at least a little earlier, if you are attending for the first time, to meet Carmen. If you are visiting you are most welcome to come along and join in. See below for the timetable.
Timetable
Tuesdays – St Johns Room / Link Way – Wanaka- 9:45 -10:45 am: Gentle Yoga for Good Health and Calmness
Thursdays- Community Hub/Mcdougall St -Wanaka- 9.45-10.45 am: Gentle Yoga for Good Health and Calmness
How much does it cost to attend?
The structure of Yoga in the Community allows for no-one to be turned away. A modest amount is charged for the class for those that have the means to pay. Casual rate of $12 or $100 concession for 10 classes used at discretion, while those whom find themselves in a time of hardship can practice at no cost, no questions asked.
The modest fees and practice of Yoga for good health & calmness, gives back to the fundamental community organisation of ST Johns & the Community Hub, through venue hire alongside a small teacher wage. While the kind donation of private benefactor, Carmen and contribution also from the community Hub offers the community access to quality Yoga faciliation without becoming hindered by cost.
The vision of Yoga in the Community. With the continued support and kindness from a benefactor & student sees the goal of bringing yoga into our communities a step closer; as a recognised tool for mental, physical and spiritual health & growth, accessible for all, allowing for a no-one turned away philosophy.
