Just wear loose comfortable clothing. Most people wear track pants, shorts and t shirts. The most important thing is that you must be able to move without restriction.
What do I need to bring to class?
You will need to bring your yoga mat if you have one. If not you can hire one at the centre for $1. It is also a good idea to take a piece of warm clothing to put on for relaxation at the end of the yoga session.
What class do I start with if I am new to Yoga?
Beginners introduction, Monday nights 7.30-9.00 Starts on January 16th
Intention of the course: allowing new students to explore their first steps on their yoga journey.
This course will allow more depth in practice to those with some experience with yoga.
During the 12 weeks term we will cover Asana (yoga posture) practice with attention to safety and personal growth for the student.
Basic Pranayama (breathing) techniques will be explained and practiced as well as their benefits and purpose in yoga Asana practice.
During each class there will be time set for discussion, explanation, yoga history and feedback.
I would like to encourage students to be present for the whole 12 weeks of the term, so we can grow, learn and practice together as a team.
Do I have to book?
No. Check out the timetable and decide which class you wish to attend, and arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the start time. You will need this time to organise payment of your class or term fee with the teacher and settle yourself on your mat before class begins.
What do I get for my term fee?
For the term fees you can go to as many classes, day or night, that you wish to attend, for the 12 week term.
I am a complete beginner, although I have been to several Beginners Classes. Would it be ok to go to an Intermediate level class?
You are welcome to try any class, however you may find it advantageous to stay with the beginners classes until you become familiar with as many asanas (postures) as possible
Is the centre open on public holidays?
We do not close for school holidays during the year, however the centre is closed on public holidays and for one month over Christmas and New Year, between mid-December and mid- January.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient universal integrated system for educating the body, the mind and the inner spirit. It is not a dogma or a religion. The Sanskrit root of the word yoga –“yuj” means “to yoke”, to connect, to find union. Yoga is a journey of connection.
The ancient Indian sage Patanjali defines yoga in his Yoga Sutras (Ch1, v2): “yogas chitta vritti niroda”: “yoga is the stilling of the thought waves (agitations) of the mind” or “yoga is the ability to direct the mind exclusively toward an object and sustain that direction without any distractions”. You might experience a hint of this stillness in your very first yoga class, or it may come later as a moment of uncluttered peace, a sense of purity, relaxation, freedom from pain, wellbeing or joy.
Raja (scientific/royal) yoga offers the art of right living through a system of eight steps involving: right conduct (yama and niyama), a healthy body and steady posture (asana), breath regulation (pranayama), withdrawal of the senses inwardly and concentration of the mind (pratyhara and dharana), meditation (dhyana); and finally by observing the first 7 steps awareness of the eternal and our innermost Being.
Both on and off your yoga mat, the metaphorical ladder of yoga offers the opportunity for jivanmukti, liberation in life. Through yoga we can learn ways to release mental stress and physical tension, cultivating balance and clarity. Yoga guides us from the periphery (our body) to the centre of our being, the soul. The aim is to integrate mind, body and spirit so that our inner divinity shines out as through clear glass.
Hatha yoga forms a part of Raja yoga. The main focus of Hatha yoga is the body. To assist people in their search for enhanced health and well-being TYC’s main emphasis is on Hatha yoga via asanas and pranayama. As Mr Iyengar says, we develop sound, firm bodies so we can cultivate steady intelligence and benevolence of spirit.
Bhakti (devotional) yoga offers the opportunity to touch and open your heart through chanting the repetition of mantra, music and sound. As emotional energy is channelled into devotion, negative emotions are turned in a positive direction. Bhakti yoga may appeal to people who are emotional in nature. TYC offers the opportunity to practice Bhakti yoga through regular monthly Kirtan (chanting) evenings.
B.K.S Iyengar says:
“Yoga releases the creative potential of Life... It does not just change the way we see things; it transforms the person who sees.”
References:
B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Life – The journey to wholeness, inner peace and ultimate freedom. 2008, Pan Macmillan
Liz Lark, 1,001 Pearls of Yoga Wisdom: Take your practice beyond your mat. 2008, Chronicle Books
T.K.V. Desikachar, The Heart of Yoga: Developing a personal practice. 1995, Inner Traditions International
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Yoga Mind & Body. 1999, DKS
