Yoga Classes here explained
Classes here are a method of yoga which integrates the spiritual, physical and philosophical aspects of Yoga. What usually starts out as vigorous physical practice here turns out to be more…. Yoga is a path to enlightenment, not just physical postures, but what is important is to translate traditional yoga practice in a way that all can comprehend so you can move from the physical to the spiritual. Not only is vigorous asana important on the road to enlightenment but other practices such as meditation, devotional chanting and study of ancient texts are just as useful and truly important to the earnest sadhaka (spiritual seeker).
Meaning of Your Yoga practice
Svarupam (pronounced swa-roo-pam) means: ‘’the essential identity’’ or ‘’bliss of your own being’’ the ‘’eternal form’’. ‘’Your true identity in its original form’’. The ‘’essential nature of the ‘self’’’. This is what we are trying to achieve here in the Yoga Classes.
An intimate space dedicated to spiritual growth
This is a place for spiritual growth and offers vigorous Hatha Yoga classes with emphasis on the healing method of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. The main teachings here form from traditional Hatha Yoga teaching traditions and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Upanishads. In yoga practice it is essential to bring up resistance to the innate ‘self’ so one can see and feel what it is we are missing, and that is the very essential nature of the self, your true identity…the essential identity in its original form…. That is svarupam ‘’Bliss of your own being’’ the ‘’True nature of being’’.
Seven principles of practice (S.A.M.B.A.A.A.)
Scripture. Study of ancient yoga teaching including Sanskrit chanting and yoga Sutras.
Asana/Pranayama. Purification that leads to stillness of body and mind.
Meditation. Connecting internally to unchanging reality.
Bhakti. Acknowledgement of universal consciousness. That being the goal of all yoga practice.
Ahimsa. A non-violent compassionate lifestyle emphasizing vegetarianism and compassion and love for all living creatures.
Awareness. Consciously observing yourself and other living beings internally and externally.
Attitude. Daily awareness of others and your actions and reactions toward other living beings and your own self.
Emma Hicks
www.ashtangayogauk.co.uk
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga (Primary Series)
Classes with Emma Hicks www.ashtangayogauk.co.uk
The Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga system is based on therapeutic and progressive sequences of yoga asana which are synchronised with the breath (ujjayi pranayama) bandhas (internal locks) and dristhi (gaze - or looking place).The concept of Trishthana refers to the union of three places of attention- posture, breath and gaze. Together they form this powerful practice which links mind and body in inner awareness. This physical yoga practice also produces heat that purifies the body and it calms and focuses the mind.
The asana sequences are practiced daily usually in the am and developed over several years. New poses are added gradually as you gain ability and body strength. There are six sequences in ashtanga.
- Yoga Chikitsa - Primary Series grounds and restores health to the body.
- Nadi Shodana cleanses and purifies the nerves for meditation.
- The remaining three - Sthira Bhaga are advanced asana to refine and strengthen the body and bring grace and humility to the practitioner.
Over time the practice leads to elimination of the six internal poisons around the heart. These are Kama (desire) Krodha (anger) Lobha (greed) Moha (delusion) Mada (sloth) and Matsarya (envy). The benefits are experienced over time with consistent balanced practice, for this reason students are encouraged to make a long term commitment to develop their daily practice.
Ashtanga Yoga Practice will bring a healing change of ones physical, emotional and mental levels and is based around the eight limbs of yoga. Yama, Niyama, Asana, Panorama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi. It is during the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Practice that these eight limbs are nourished.
Emma Hicks teaches Traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa classes and courses from her studio in Richmond Surrey UK.
There is no full Ashtanga Yoga Practice on Moondays (full or new moon). Instead there will be a softer yoga practice, pranayama and meditation. One to ones are also available.
Do not practice on a full stomach.
No water during practice.
All levels welcome.
All classes are 90mins/ £15 drop-in/all levels welcome
www.ashtangayogauk.co.uk
info@ashtangayogauk.co.uk
077853 55550
