Yoga is a system for living which  allows us, ultimately, to breathe well and fully, have a healthy body, and a mind free of distractions ~  which makes the rest of our lives that bit easier to tackle.

Yoga means ‘union, derived from the Sanskrit word, Yug, and it represents a system to unite mind, body and spirit.  It offers us a method of directing and clearing the mind, and achieving positive change in our lives.

 “….every change is Yoga, whether a new found ability to bend forward and touch your toes, gaining more understanding of ourselves through discussion or study, or reaching any point we’ve never been to before.  Each of these movements and changes is Yoga”  (TKV Desikachar, The Heart of Yoga, Inner Traditions 1999)

And by a gradual ability to direct the mind and still the thoughts, Yoga allows us to be more fully present in the moment, more aware and conscious of whatever it is we are doing at the time.

Its History

Yoga has ancient roots, stretching back approximately 6,000 years to the Indus Valley in Northern India. It is one of six systems of Indian thought known as darsana, which can be interpreted as ‘a way of seeing’.   These ancient teachings, which have their origin in the Vedas, the oldest and central spiritual texts of India dating back to 2000 BCE, all offer the student a way of looking deeper inside themselves.

In the main, we have come to know Yoga as a physical pursuit, Hatha Yoga, but this is only one of many routes towards achieving this place of union,  and inner harmony and balance.  Whether you wish to make your body stronger and more supple and are looking for a physical Yoga practice, whether you wish to deepen your ability to relax and concentrate, or whether you wish to learn more about yourself in relation to the world within which you live, then there is a path of Yoga to suit you.  It really does offer something for everybody!

Hatha Yoga is the physical path of Yoga and the one which is best known in the West.  All classes include elements of physical posture work (asana), breathing exercises (pranayama) and relaxation.  Hatha symbolises balance as it is made up of the Sanskrit words Ha (sun) and Tha (moon), thus representing male and female energies, and the left and right sides of the body. The physical practice of Yoga helps to unite and balance these energies, preparing the way for deeper Raja Yoga practices such as meditation and pranayama.

Julie teaches gentle Hatha Yoga aimed at beginners and improvers.  She offers one to one sessions, small classes and Saturday morning workshops.

Om Shanti ~ Peace