Yoga Questions
The Yoga Concept
Why do we focus on breath?
Breath is an integral part of the practice, in yoga the pose and the breath work in union to offer you the most out of your practice. One is activated by the other, they cannot work alone.
Why do we focus on Meditation?
Yoga is a moving meditation, we are practicing stilling and controlling the mind through the body. Poses/asanas were traditionally created to be held for long periods of time during meditation, it is the reason we do the pose.
Why is the sequence repetitive?
Vinyasa yoga comes from Ashtanga yoga, Ashtanga is a set sequence the poses can be made more advance but the sequence never changes. It is a about mastery and patience. Baptiste does offer more variation as the sequence has been westernised but the roots of the practice encourage repetition and mastery, focus and dedication rather than mixing things up.
Why do we OM?
Om is a mantra, or vibration, that is traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of yoga sessions. Coming from Hinduism and Yoga, the mantra is considered to have high spiritual and creative power but despite this, it is a mantra that can be recited by anyone. It’s both a sound and a symbol rich in meaning and depth and when pronounced correctly it is actually AUM. Symbolically the three letters embody the divine energy (Shakti) and it’s 3 main characteristics: (1) creation, (2) preservation and (3) liberation. As such AUM is the basic sound of the universe; so by chanting it we are symbolically and physically tuning in to that sound and acknowledging our connection to all other living beings, nature and the universe. In addition the vibrations and rhythmic pronunciation also have a physical affect on the body by slowing down the nervous system and calming the mind similar to meditation. When the mind is relaxed, your blood pressure decreases and ultimately the health of your heart improves. Finally it is also a way to delineate the time of our practice from the rest of our day and signify that this is a special time in which to care for ourselves and practice being mindful. All in all, beginning and/or ending your yoga practicing with AUM helps to connects us to our practice in a deeper way than just with physical postures. Reference: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7565/om-what-is-it...
Taking part
Do I have to meditate?
Everything in class is optional, if it’s not for you, just take rest or chose another pose to practice :)
Should I drink water in class?
Of course you can drink water whenever you would like to. As with any action, we look at all the signals in our practice to learn about ourselves, some teachers believe drinking is a means of distraction from self, especially as we wont feel any benefits for several hours later.
What happens if I get emotional in class?
This is very common and not something to worry about! It’s a good opportunity to watch what is coming up for you and let it out, if you feel uncomfortable of course you can leave class. Feeling emotional is often a great sign that you are connecting with the practice.
What books can you advise I read to learn more about yoga?
We would always encourage reading any of Baron Baptistes books (Journey into Power and Perfectly Imperfect are brilliant) as the founder of our practice. The history of yoga is the source of the practice, including the Yoga Sutras and The Bhagavad Gita.
Why do we roll onto the right after practice?
Yoga is a science, the sequence has been specifically designed for hundreds of years to replenish the body. Direction of blood flow has a bit part to play in that, which is why we move in the way we do.
How often should I practice yoga?
The more the better. You will notice physical progression and shifts in your way of being if you can cultivate a regular practice, including a regular self practice. We would recommend twice a week or more, twice daily would be wonderful if we can make time! It is all part of the practice.