07 October 2009

Finding Your Yoga

"The onus will be on each individual student to find a yoga teacher who's style is suitable with his or her own preference.”
LeoNard Se

This blog is an introduction (simplified/beginner) to yoga practice. However there is no substitute for learning with a qualified yoga teacher. You may also further your knowledge through many books on yoga at your favourite bookshop. Just a note of caution, not all poses can be done without a yoga teacher - especially on breathing techniques or correct postures, when you follow a step by step guide in the book.

The main form of Yoga commonly known today is Hatha Yoga, which is also an umbrella term that encompasses other physically based Yogas, such as Iyengar Yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa or Bikram Yoga. Less well known terms or names of other Yoga practices, which might be called branches or the tree of Yoga (read introduction).

Regardless of which branch or tradition of Yoga appeals to you, a good teacher always helps. Do ask potential teachers about their qualifications, keeping in mind that the Yoga industry is not as structured as law or accountancy. Although more and more training programs are available, many very experienced and wonderful teachers don't hold a teaching certificate. What they offer is a deep intuitive understanding, gleaned from years of disciplined practice.

"On the physical level, Yoga is not about flexibility, but the right attitude and mindset, it's more than winding yourself into the form of a pretzel" said Louis Chong (my first yoga teacher who inspired me to further my learning).Your journey into Yoga is a personal one, find a teacher with whom you feel a good connection, they might just turn out to be a helpful guide as you navigate your path through life.

I no longer own a studio (Sadhana Yoga LLC) or aspire to teach in a big studio with full amenities, a small class size is preferred so that everyone receive the same attention. Instead of rooting myself on a stage or platform dishing out instruction like a military boot camp, I constantly move around correcting your posture if necessary. Giving you feedback on alignment, prescribe various poses techniques and stimulate your mind with ways to stay present during the practice.

All are welcome to join my class/retreat, however I do have limited slots. I do not preach or talk about religions or invoke recitation. My students range from 18 - 75 years old, from Muslim to Jews.

Lastly, you will discover that yoga teachers take many approaches; some will focus more on the mental aspects, some on the devotional path, and others on the physical forms of yoga. My approach to yoga will be more towards the body, spiritual and mind.

1 comment:

  1. Awesome thanks so much... I have been researching about yoga recently and came across this blog/article thanks for all the great sources of information.

    Cheers!
    Yoga and Fitness Retreats

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