'Yoga is 99% practice and 1% theory.'  Sri K Pattabhi Jois

The benefits of yoga are many and varied.  Over the years I have been practising it never ceases to amaze me with what it reveals on so many levels.

There are many different styles of yoga, but they all tend towards the typical meaning of the word which is 'union' ... of mind, body and spirit.

A regular and even daily practice (usually early in the morning 5 or 6 days a week) offers the opportunity to really experience the depths of what yoga has to offer.

The physical yoga poses are called 'asanas' and are a good place to start for most people.  They are designed to bring balance and harmony back to the body, clean and oxygenate the blood, strengthen all the organs and rejuvenate the nervous system, among other things.  People usually start doing a few poses and slowly add in more as their strength, flexibility and endurance increases.  They work at their own pace and the benefit lies not in being able to 'do' all the poses, but in working to your current limits within the poses.  This ultimately leads to a calmer mind and a more settled system in general, and prepares a solid foundation for meditation.

It is pretty powerful stuff and can be the catalyst for many changes in people's lives as they open, let go and reconnect to their true essence.  It generally brings greater self-awareness, relaxation, and harmony both on and off the mat.

Again, it is challenging to capture in words what yoga really is.  Below are a few quotes ...

'Practicing asanas began to teach me about myself.  The body is such a great school of learning.  It makes you pay attention.'  Lilias Folan

'Yoga is about clearing away whatever is in us that prevents our living in the most full and whole way.  With yoga, we become aware of how and where we are restricted — in body, mind, and heart — and how gradually to open and release these blockages.  As these blockages are cleared, our energy is freed.  We start to feel more harmonious, more at one with ourselves.  Our lives begin to flow — or we begin to flow more in our lives.'  Cybele Tomlinson

'Yoga, an ancient but perfect science, deals with the evolution of humanity.  This evolution includes all aspects of one's being, from bodily health to self-realization.  Yoga means union - the union of body with consciousness and consciousness with the soul.  Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life.'  B.K.S. Iyengar

'Before you've practiced, the theory is useless.  After you've practiced, the theory is obvious.'  David Williams

 

During my retreats I offer an introduction to yoga and provide yoga mats, bolsters, blankets, straps and relaxing eye bags. 

 

click here to view the yoga photo gallery in new window

 

'You cannot do yoga.  Yoga is your natural state.  What you can do are yoga exercises, which may reveal to you where you are resisting your natural state.'  Sharon Gannon