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<h1>Yoga classes, Yoga CDs and Yoga retreats - Welcome to Yogawise - London UK. Yogawise is interested in all schools of thought with regard to Yoga practice and is willing to learn and grow. There is no prejudice or bias towards one particular guru or style of teaching. There is sincere respect and love for all those who have given so much to expanding and sharing the knowledge of Yoga for the benefit of all.</h1>
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"No one can reveal to you aught but that which already lies half asleep in
the dawning of your knowledge" The above quotation sums up the philosophy of YOGAWISE.
This website is offered to those who have a genuine interest in Yoga. At present,
there are details of classes, consultancy options, original Yoga CD's, Books,
Videos and CD recommended lists. Further, an opportunity to engage and exchange
topics of interest in yoga through e-mail/notice boards. </p>
<p>Yogawise is interested in all schools of thought with regard to Yoga practice
and is willing to learn and grow. There is no prejudice or bias towards one particular
guru or style of teaching. There is sincere respect and love for all those who
have given so much to expanding and sharing the knowledge of Yoga for the benefit
of all. Classes Yoga Therapy Yoga can help a number of ailments from backache
to panic attacks. It should never be used to replace your Doctors advice or before
you seek medical diagnosis. If you are in any way concerned about your health
it is always advisable to ask your Doctor to approve your participation in Yoga
Asanas, Pranayama and meditation exercises. I would be happy to talk to him/her
(with your consent and full knowledge) about what is involved before you undertake
any programme and to note any advice/cautions they wish to make known to me. Yoga
in Schools Small group sessions to suit your students needs. Help them to help
themselves. Concentration improves, stress levels drop, motivation rises, and
physical fitness and flexibility is maintained or improved. Have you considered
a session for you're teaching staff? Open Classes Beginner and Intermediate/Advance
level classes. Ring to confirm venue, price and time details. Yoga in the workplace:
One hour tuition in the lunch hour or straight after work. You provide the boardroom
or other space with a firm floor, good ventilation and with enough room to accommodate
a maximum of twenty employees. The firm can pay for the session to encourage a
healthy workforce or a minimum of ten employees can book and pay individually.
1:1 or small group sessions. Six week sessions on a one to one basis or a minimum
of six maximum ten people in your home. Yoga and pregnancy The breathing exercises
and deep relaxation and stretching asanas can help to contribute towards maintaining
a healthy pregnancy and birth. Learn to conserve energy to combat sleepless nights
</p>
<p>Yoga: Mind and Body An introduction to Yoga, By Sammi (www.yogawise.co.uk)
“YOGAS CITTA VRTTI-NIRODHAH” Yoga is the stilling of the mind Lake. Only when
the Lake is Still and Calm can the beautiful jewel lying deep below be seen in
all its glory. The Jewel being the Atman or Pure self. To still the chatter of
the mind is indeed an awesome task but it can be done. Yoga has a variety of methods
with which to tame the unsteady mind and the undisciplined body. These include
Asanas (Postures held over time) Pranayama (Breathing techniques) and Meditation
practices. All of these work on both the physical and mental levels to bring back
harmony and balance. They help make the body and mind strong and free from ‘dis-ease’
by influencing the internal systems such as the lymphatic, circulatory, endocrine
and the central nervous system, which comprises the brain and spinal cord. Even
the autonomic nervous system has been shown to respond to yogic techniques of
relaxation, so that its sympathetic and parasympathetic branches are able to function
efficiently rather than one going into overdrive or underdrive which results in
feelings of stress, anxiety and many other modern day illnesses/allergies. We
do not need to know or understand these terms to feel the effects on our general
well being. Just by practising yoga we begin to notice that the quality of our
sleep and wakefulness improves. We have more energy, more joy in living in the
present. Others begin to comment that we have ‘changed’. Perhaps the first signs
of change may be a more toned body or a more relaxed attitude; An ability to communicate
and get along better with others; A sense of fun. Deeper changes will come as
you practise and your awareness deepens. Your changing perceptions may alter your
values and purpose in life, which in turn may lead to different circles of friends
and places, which will encourage further growth. You may choose not to go this
deep as you will soon realise not everyone wants you to ‘change’ too much! It
is your choice, your journey, your ‘Karma’. So what exactly is Yoga? The word
Yoga is from ‘Yug’ meaning to unite or form a spiritual union. If followed as
a way of life it can lead to ‘self realization’ or ultimately to Samadhi which
is a superconscious state where the meditator, the meditation process and the
object of meditation become one: Union with ‘God’. However, Yoga is not a religion:
it is a spiritual practice used by Christians, Jews, Buddhists and agnostics!
There are many different paths offered to reach this ultimate goal and because
of our different natures we are usually drawn more towards one. Raja Yoga: The
Royal Path. Has two sub-divisions: Patanjali, a sage in ancient India, describes
the eight stepped path (Ashtanga means eight limbs) . This way deals directly
with the Mind. 1. Yamas (Restraints) Truth, non-violence, control of sexual energies,
non-stealing, non-attachment. 2. Niyamas (Observances) Austerity, purity, self-study,
contentment, surrender of the ego. 3. Asanas - Postures. This is the popular understanding
of yoga e.g. the Lotus or Headstand. 4. Pranayama - Control and direction of a
subtle life force which brings energy into the mind and body. Usually translated
as breath control exercises but it is much more than this. 5. Pratyahara - Sense
withdrawal 6. Dharana - Concentration on an internal or external object 7. Dhyana
- Meditation..A Deeper state without any distractions 8. Samadhi - Absorbed in
the Absolute. All sense of duality disappears. The last three stages are known
as SAMYAMA. B. Kundalini Yoga: Emphasises ‘pranayama’, works on purifying the
‘nadis’ (Astral tubes or energy centres) and seeks to awaken the Kundalini (spiritual
energy coiled at the base of the spine). It describes the psychic system and also
aims to still the mind. This is still a form of Raja yoga and follows the Ashtanga
eight limbs; there is just a difference in emphasis and techniques. Sub-divisions
include: a. Hatha Yoga - where Asanas, Pranayamas, Mudras and Bandhas (energy
seals and locks) and Kriyas (cleansing techniques) are taught to varying degrees.
This is the most popular form of yoga in the West. b. Nada yoga - uses music c.
Laya yoga - concentration on inner sounds and lights. d. Mantra yoga - sacred
sounds (sanskrit the holy language). e. Yantra - geometrical forms and patterns
to stimulate and induce meditation. N.B. In a Chakra meditation (Chakras are wheels
of energy- light and colour) several techniques can be combined. e.g. Music, voice,
colour. Jnana Yoga: The Philosophical Path. Using Viveka (Discrimination) and
Vairagya (Dispassion) one seeks to lift Maya or illusion and thus ‘see’ the world
as it really is. Deep study of the Vedas (Metaphysical texts) and self-enquiry.
Requires a sharp intellect. Karma Yoga: The Action Path. Service without thought
of reward. Followed by those who wish to follow an active path and remain working
in the world as part of a community. They seek unity within diversity. Bhakti
Path: Devotional Path. Creative, emotional individuals who sublimate their feelings
through yoga techniques and turn them into pure devotion. ‘God’ is seen in all
beings. This path uses Mantras, chanting, meditation. The paths are therefore
distinct from the teaching styles and schools, which you will encounter when you
seek out a teacher or book. Most teaching in the West follows the Hatha Yoga path
- the yoga that begins with physical bodywork. Four of the main schools are: 1.
Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga. Made popular by Sting, Madonna etc… This style was developed
by K. Pattabhi Jois and is a flowing, strong and powerful workout. You need to
be fit before you start unless you are lucky enough to find a good teacher who
will take you in stages. 2. Iyengar teachers follow B K S Iyengar’s method of
attention to alignment. They use a lot of standing poses to build strength initially.
They also use props such as belts and blocks, chairs and walls. 3. Viniyoga teachers
follow T K V Desikachar and offer individual and small group work with partner
sequences. They emphasise step by step progression with awareness of the breath.
These three teaching methods all derive from the three students of Sri Krishnamacharya
(A revered guru who lived in south India) . The last one was his son! 4. Sivananda
teachers follow the teachings of Swami Sivananda and his disciple Vishnu-Devananda
who brought this type of yoga to the West. It teaches twelve basic postures following
the Rishikesh sequence, some breathing techniques and has a more spiritual leaning
with the use of sanskrit chants. Some teachers dip into and learn from several
schools and from their own introspection. Do not be put off by all these different
routes. Find a class and just try it or buy a Book, CD or Video. We live in an
age where we have access to so many ‘gurus’ (one who can lead you out of the darkness).
They do not have to be a person we follow blindly. We can listen to our inner
voice, read, explore. The story of how Krishna gave yoga to the world is told
in the Bhagavad Gita. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are available with commentaries
by many different authors to explain their meanings. The Chief text devoted to
Hatha Yoga is the Hatha Yoga Pradipika - it means Light on Hatha Yoga and it describes
the techniques of Kriyas, Pranayamas, Mudras/Bandhas and Asanas. It also recommends
a ‘Nutritious and Moderate diet’. If you want to read something lighter as a general
introduction, try Yoga Mind and Body by the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre . Pub.
Dorling Kindersley. I also recommend any works by J. Krishnamurti; especially
Meeting Life. Pub.Arkana Or you may like to try one of the CD’s I have produced
with Richard and the first of which you can buy from this site. (The other three
are being added in the next week!) I’d buy these just to listen to Richard’s music;
it is inspirational. CD1 Narayanni: An introduction to yoga with postures and
breath. Spoken instruction and divine music. A deep relaxation section is also
included. CD2 Chakras: Morning and Evening sequences which can be interchanged
for variety in your daily practice. A Chakra Colour visualisation to balance and
heal the body and mind. Incredible feedback from students buying this CD about
its effect on them personally. CD3 Peace: Techniques to induce calm and prepare
for stressful events. An inner journey for releasing tensions. Plus a re-mix of
CD 1’s Relaxation and Meditation tracks. CD4 Sacred Journey: Inspired from a visit
to a sacred grove in India whilst on my annual retreat there. After a week of
Ayurveda and Yoga this was a blissful experience and we have tried to capture
it here for you to share. Pure beauty. Uncover and expand your creativity. Live
fully in the present. Includes sacred chants in sanskrit and a full Surya namaskar/Sun
salutation instruction for your daily practice. Do not be afraid to try Yoga.
I have students who range from 12 to 75 years who come in all shapes and sizes;
all levels of ability. Yogis measure age on the number of breaths we take in a
lifetime and the flexiblity of our spines! Most yogis look ten years younger than
their chronological age. Keep trying until you find a way to bring yoga into your
life. You will never regret it. Om shanti shanti shanti Peace from within Peace
from outside Peace from all living beings <br>
<br>
Sammi </p>
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