Yoga Basics
Asana /posture
Asana is defined as "posture;" its literal meaning is "seat." Originally, the asanas served as stable postures for prolonged meditation. More than just stretching, asanas open the energy channels, chakras and psychic centers of the body. Asanas purify and strengthen the body, and control and focus the mind. Asana is one of the eight limbs of classical Yoga, which states that asana should be steady and comfortable, firm yet relaxed.
When holding a yoga posture, make sure you can breathe slowly and deeply. Go to your edge in the posture, holding where you feel a good stretch and/or your body working, but don't "tolerate" pain.
Meditation
Meditation is a focusing of the mind on a single object, a short mantra ( word or phrase), or the rhythm of your breath. As thoughts appear let them flow through your mind without thinking about them. Coninue to bring your focus back to the object, mantra, or breath. As your mind becomes quiet, you will be more fully in the present moment. The techniques of meditation are simple and easy to learn, but the ability to keep the mind focused takes time, patience and practice. The benefits of a regular meditation practice include reduction of stress, tension, anxiety and frustration, as well as improved memory, concentration, inner peace, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. One of the greatest benefits is the connection that you create between your conscious mind and your inner wisdom.
Pranayama /breathing exercises
Pranayama are breathing exercises developed by the ancient yogis for purification. Prana translates into "life force energy" and Yama translates into "control or mastery of". Thus, Pranyama is used to control, cultivate, and modify the Prana in the body. Prana is taken in through the air we breathe, and since the Pranayama exercises increase the amount of air we take in, they also increase our intake of Prana.
For all Pranayama (except Kapalabhati), the breath is slow and steady, breathed in and out of the nose and down into the belly. Always sit with a straight spine and a relaxed body. While you are practicing Pranayama, let go of any thoughts by focusing on the breathing involved with the Pranayama.
Resorative Yoga
While all yoga is certainly restorative to the body, and sense of wellbeing, a restorative yoga class is designed to specifically teach a yoga student how to bring balance into their body. Throughout their day typically a person pushes themselves, often depleting their energy stores. Running a body on low energy causes imbalance in many physical systems. When time is taken to focus on renewing energy levels, by releasing tension, stretching and breathing, a more balanced center emerges. In restorative yoga we also learn how to quickly relax the body and mind, for fast renewal.
Yoga posture sequences
Yoga posture sequences are a series of postures arranged to flow together one after the next. This is often called vinyasa or a yoga flow.
Start with the Basic sequences and gradually proceed to beginning and advanced sequences.
Seated and standing sequences can be combined for a longer practice.
*Remember to breathe deeply, and focus your mind on the movement of your body. Take each pose to your individual edge then relax deeper into the pose, rather than pushing into it.
