|
|
(Above: Katy's students doing wall exercises at an Intermediate class in Dorchester) |
Yoga is a generic word (such as health, fitness) and means UNION. It is often interpreted as the union of mind, body and soul, and can provide perfect harmony and balance. It is often suggested that Yoga originated in India circa 2000 BCE. There is no competition in Yoga.
Each person should listen to their own body and never strain (serious injury can be the result of a competitive attitude).
Yoga with Katy involves:
-
Stretching (Asanas)
-
Synchronised breathing
-
Postural awareness
-
Deep relaxation/meditation
Stretching the spine and Asanas create strength and suppleness. Deep, full breathing helps to calm the mind and emotions. Relaxation and meditation reduce stress and create a
greater sense of awareness.
Katy is a member of The British Wheel of Yoga.
There are four main forms or pathways of Yoga:
-
Karma Yoga - Selfless service, i.e., working for others, e.g., Mother Theresa
-
Bhakti Yoga - Yoga through devotion; e.g., Gandhi, Mother Theresa
-
Jnana Yoga - Knowledge or wisdom, e.g., some scientists could be termed 'Jnanayogi's'.
-
Raja Yoga - Royal Path (including Hatha)
Katy teaches Hatha Yoga which is a form of Raja Yoga.
Raja Yoga:
The 'Royal Path' is broken into eight steps which are:
- Yama (with five abstinences, e.g., ahimsa - to not cause pain)
- Niyama (with five observances, e.g., saucha - purity of thought, word and deed)
- Asana (seated posture - usually translated as posture)
- Pranayama (the practice of breath awareness)
- Pratyahara (the practice of withdrawal of the senses)
- Dharana (the practice of concentration)
- Dhyana (effortless meditation)
- Samadhi (enlightenment)
Hatha Yoga:
Hatha Yoga is generally interpreted as the Yoga of (physical) action and is practiced in most Western Yoga Classes. The British Wheel of Yoga is partly responsible for bringing Hatha Yoga to the UK. Hatha also means balance - Ha means the sun and Tha means the moon and can represent male and female energies.
It is advisable not to take any food one or two hours before Yoga sessions, depending on the amount eaten and the time of day. Food generally digests more easily in the morning.
Loose, comfortable clothing is advisable, with no belts or other restrictive items (jeans, for example, are most uncomfortable). Bulky jewellery, watches and tight hair fittings are best removed.
At times Katy may find it necessary to give students gentle hands on adjustment. If you do not wish to have your Yoga postures adjusted please let Katy know in advance.
You also need to advise Katy if there is any change to your health e.g., accident, injury, surgery etc. Women should avoid abdominal exercises, abdominal compression and inverted postures during menstruation or pregnancy.
It is essential that you have a non-slip mat (kept only for your Yoga practice). Camping mats, or cheap yoga mats may not always be suitable. Katy can provide high quality, machine washable, non-slip yoga mats from her Yoga Shop. A blanket is also useful for warmth (during relaxation) and/or for knee support. Katy provides belts and blocks for use during the classes.
It is recommended that you bring a bottle of water to drink. The practice of Yoga releases toxins from the body and drinking water can greatly help the process.
Yoga, well practiced, cures sometimes, relieves often, relaxes always.
The Yoga Classes range from Beginners, Remedial, Gentle, Mixed Ability and Intermediate. All yoga classes are small and friendly, with no more than ten students in each group, and are held at the BODY MIND SPIRIT CENTRE in Alington Road Dorchester.
Personalised One to One Yoga sessions and Home Visits are also available.
'Kidzoze Yoga' visits children's and youth groups throughout Dorset.
Yoga @ Work is also available. Katy also sometimes runs Yoga Workshops.
Read some of Katy's Yoga related articles.
"After practicing Yoga with Katy, I noticed a change in my breathing for the better,
my back felt stronger and I am able to sleep more soundly."
V.C., Portland
Download Special Offer Discount Voucher:
