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Yoga in Carlow by Pam from Yoga Therapy Ireland January 2005 |
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Matsyasana - Fish in Lotus
Introduction
Yoga has proved to be very popular with residents and visitors alike. It is a rewarding sport that is as demanding as you want it to be. Our oldest practitioner is 81 and our youngest is 2!
We are very fortunate to have a fully qualified instructor right here
at Ballin Temple. Kamala Devi (alias Pam) took up yoga over 15 years
ago while living in Asia. In 2000, she received her teaching diploma
from the internationally recognized Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, and
has been teaching in the local community ever since. Pam's appreciation
of the value of yoga has been enhanced through pregnancies, parenthood,
major knee surgery, and gardening ("ooh, my back!").
"Budding" Vrksasana
Trikonasana - Triangle
If you are interested in this programme please contact us and our yogameister will be in touch with you.
About Yoga
Yoga, sometimes known as the "art of right living," is an integrated system of education for the body, mind and inner spirit.
Halasana - Plough
The word "yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit word yug, or "to join", and means "unity" or "oneness." The practice of asanas (steady postures) and meditation provides the individual with a practical means to unite body, mind and spirit.
Ardha matsyendrasana - Spinal Twist
Yoga is said to have appeared in India over 10,000 years ago, and was passed on only by word of mouth from teacher to student. The sage Patanjali is credited with compiling the findings of the ancient Yogis, known as the Raja Yoga Sutras, about 2,000 years ago. The Sutras remain an undisputed guide to yoga.
Sirsasana - Headstand
Yoga is founded on reason and scientific observation, free from superstition. By objectively observing their own thoughts, the ancient Yogis studied the many obstacles to bringing the mind under conscious control. Evidence suggests that, in addition to the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali may have recorded an important medical treatise and a thesis on language, and so was a learned man with a great knowledge of the sciences.
Dhanurasana - Bow
Yoga is NOT ...
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A religion (yoga can be practiced, and can enhance spiritual development, without contradiction to religious beliefs)*.
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A miracle cure (heed your health professionals!).
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Competitive (work for your self, in the moment, without comparison to others or to your past self).
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Physical exercise only (mental focus, correct breathing and positive attitude are part of yoga).
(* For example, scholars believe that Jesus of Nazareth studied and practiced yoga with gurus in India during his teenage years.)
Chakrasana - Wheel
Who can do Yoga?
"Anyone!"
Anyone,
regardless of age, gender, and physical ability, can do yoga. Yoga is
not a competitive exercise - the practitioner is not comparing him/her
self with others OR with what (s)he "used to be able to do". In fact,
although many Westerners come to yoga for the physical benefits, that
is only one step in the ultimate goal of yoga, which is spiritual evolution.
Mental evolution - learning to still the mind - is another step along
the way. Each aspect of yoga has benefits, which is why it is suitable
for all. It is, of course, strongly recommended that those suffering
from a specific medical condition check with a doctor before taking
up asana practice.
Benefits of Yoga
Sarvangasana - Shoulder Stand
The asanas, or steady postures, benefit the practitioner on a physical, mental and "pranic" or life-energy level. Physically, asanas help increase and maintain flexibility of the spine, toning and rejuvenating the nervous system. The gentle movements bring flexibility to the other joints and muscles of the body, as well as massaging the glands and internal organs. Circulation is improved, ensuring a rich supply of nutrients and oxygen to all the body's cells.
Mental
benefits arise because awareness and concentration in the postures free
the mind from disturbances and promote steadiness of mind, which can
help to improve one's outlook on life. The pranic benefits of yoga are
achieved because the postures work in a similar way to acupuncture or
shiatsu (stimulating the body's major pressure points), but are subtler.
Thus, asanas must be practiced regularly over of time, and the benefits
attained will be long lasting.
Padmasana - Lotus
Spiritually, the yogic method provides guidelines for
our evolution from self-awareness to awareness of the world around,
and finally unity with the universe. Astanga yoga* means "eightfold
path to unity", and these eight points are:
Yama (abstension) - truth, non-violence, control of sexual energy,
non-stealing, non-covetousness.
Niyama (observance) - austerity, purity, contentment, study,
surrender of the ego.
Asana - steady poses.
Pranayama - control of vital energy through the breath.
Pratyahara - withdrawal of the senses.
Dharana - concentration of the mind.
Dhyana - meditation.
Samadhi - the super-conscious state.
It's a lot to achieve, but it's a journey, not a race. Developing a
bit of awareness of our thought patterns (which yoga helps us do) can
go a long way towards finding true contentment, and to begin to reach
beyond our daily concerns to a higher level of concern - for others,
for our world, for the future.
*not to be confused with the popular use of the term "astanga yoga"
which refers to the strong style of asana/vinyasa practice developed
by P. Jois.
How to prepare for Yoga
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Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach. Try to eat a light meal 2-3 hours before practice.
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Dress in layers. Wear non-restrictive clothing. Have a mat or towel on which to practice.
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Asanas are best practiced in bare feet; socks can be worn if necessary. Remove shoes at the door.
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Maintain a peaceful frame of mind before practice, that is, when you enter the practice room, move quietly, speak softly, prepare mentally.
Vricikasana - Scorpion
"Go for it!"
