What is Yoga

Yoga is the oldest system in the world.The practice can be enjoyed by everyone.Whether your aim is to tone up,relax,reduce your stress levels or simply boost your energy levels you will enjoy! There are many styles of yoga,most will focus is on all the elements of the practice,the Breath-work, postures,relaxation of the body and mind.You will learn how to strengthen,tone and relax your body whilst quietening your mind.The postures flow one into another using the breath as a focal point.Most Yoga practices will include deep relaxation which is very beneficial for both the bosy and mind.Some styles of Yoga will also practice meditation.

- Yoga Means Union -Though it is frequently held that this term refers to union between body, mind and spirit, the traditional acceptance is union between the Jivatman and Paramatman, which is between one's individual consciousness and the Universal Consciousness.
Therefore, Yoga refers to a certain state of consciousness as well as to methods that help one reach that goal, or the state of union with the divine.

Yoga is a spiritual science of self-realisation, originating in India and goes back over five thousand years. The Indian sage Pantajali defines yoga as "the control of the activities of the mind." Yoga methods can define and benefit the whole gamut of our existence, from the physical, emotional and mental to the spiritual. Its methods include ethical disciplines, breath control, physical postures as well as meditation.

The definition of 'Classical Yoga' by Patanjali is an eight stage process of spiritual development. The first two stages are ethical disciplines (Yamas and Nyamas).

Then come postures (Asanas, in Sanskrit) and breathing exercises (Pranayama). The last four stages are meditative stages: control of the sense (Prathyara), concentration (Dharana), meditation (Dhyana) and enlightenment (Samadhi).

Yoga has become a widespread term in the Western world today, and yoga classes can be found nearly everywhere. Most Westerners are most familiar with hatha yoga.
Hatha yoga seeks to promote health and well-being through physical exercise. The regular practice of asanas, and breathing exercises (pranayama), makes the body strong, agile and healthy. It has a huge effect on the circulation of our blood and on the proper functioning of the inner organs, glands and nerves, keeping all systems in radiant health and leading to greater energy, better concentration, and a happier, more fulfilling life. Many common physical ailments can also be improved through the regular practice of yoga, and it is never too late or too early in life to begin.