Yoga
What is Yoga?
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Yoga’ is a word which comes from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’ which means to ‘join together’ or concentrate attention. Yoga is one aspect of Indian philosophy and the first text on the subject is seen in the classical work, ‘Yoga Sutras’ of Patanjali, a book of 185 short passages.
Patanjali, seen as the ‘father of Yoga’ was philosopher of the 2nd century BC. In Indian thought, life is seen as permeated by a Supreme Universal Spirit of which the individual human spirit is a part. Yoga shows the way in which the individual can be united with the universal, and therefore attain liberation from the fluctuations that life brings.
In a major text on yoga philosophy, the ‘Bhagavad Gita’, there is an explanation of this ‘union’. ‘A lamp does not flicker in a place where no winds blow; so it is with a yogi, who controls his mind, intellect and self, being absorbed in the spirit within… when the restlessness of the mind, intellect and self is stilled through the practice of yoga, then there is fulfilment. ….One who achieves this cannot be moved by the greatest sorrow. This is the real meaning of Yoga – deliverance from contact with pain and sorrow.’
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Iyengar Yoga
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What is Iyengar Yoga
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Yoga is one of the oldest systems of personal development in the world. Its aim - to balance the body, mind and spirit – was formulated by ancient yogis. They understood our essential human nature and realised a way to use our inner resources to live in harmony with ourselves and the environment. Yoga asanas (poses) and pranayama (awareness of the breath) aim to reach all the muscles, nerves and glands of the body and promote physical and mental health.
Iyengar yoga uses the ancient techniques of yoga, as understood and practised over many years by Yogacharya Sri B.K.S. Iyengar of Pune, South India. In his many world-renowned books he systematised over 200 postures and breathing techniques and their anatomical background.
He showed how the various parts of the body can be positioned correctly so that each individual part, as well as the physiological system can function to their best potential. The Iyengar method is a challenge to the intelligence as the mind needs to focus on awareness in, and of, the posture. Body and mind are stretched beyond their everyday limits and begin to act in unison.
The idea of meditation in action is a keynote of the Iyengar system. Being totally aware and absorbed in the poses as they are being done is meditation: body and mind communicate at a subtle level and are harmonized. The Iyengar method is not just a sophisticated form of physical exercise and deep breathing.It is a spiritual practice aimed at integrating mind, body and inner self.
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WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Goncalo Ferreira
Amazing yoga classes! After trying other places, I feel like I'm finally doing progress. Nina is very supportive and encouraging . I'd definitely recommend it to any one thinking of taking up Yoga.
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Patrycja J
Nina is a wonderful person, very professional, I recommend her classes to everyone!!!!
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Amanda B
Nina's yoga classes are great, I have learned a lot and particularly love the focus on alignment - good for all levels
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