What is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient practice designed to help people improve physical and mental health, gain understanding and wisdom, and develop a sense of peace and freedom. Its goal is the attainment of ‘oneness;’ it is the union of the self with the Divine that removes the illusion of ourselves as separate from others. The regular practice of yoga has been proven to offer many benefits including decreased anxiety and stress, increased strength and flexibility, and an opportunity to cultivate a practice that encompasses spirituality.
When practiced regularly with intention and attention we our able to manifest our Self beyond ego and become one with universal consciousness. While yoga is not a religion, it is a school of practical philosophy, that is linked to the Indian Hindu philosophy.
According to the sage Pantajali, the 8 Limbs of Yoga are purifying practices and include:
- Yama- restraints or controls
- Niyama- observances
- Asana- physical posture
- Pranayama- restraint or control of the lifeforce
- Pratyahara- withdrawal of the senses
- Dharana- concentration
- Dhyana- meditation
- Samadhi- bliss, super consciousness
Why take yoga at The InnerSpace?
One of the most important decisions you will make when starting with yoga is what type of class to take. There are many types of yoga being taught, but only 9 are internationally recognized- Jivamukti™ Yoga is one of these. Established over 25 years ago, Jivamukti™ offers a progression basic poses to advanced. Students include Sting and his wife Trudy, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker, Madonna, Diane Keaton, Russel Simmons, Uma Thurman, Heidi Klum and more. Why? Because it ‘s authentic.
Jivamukti™ Yoga combines the physical style of Ashtanga and Power Yoga and combines it with meditation and spiritual teachings. Jivamukti means “liberated while living”, and incorporates a flowing sequence of asanas with ancient yoga texts, music, and meditation.
At the InnerSpace we are committed to recognizing and honoring yoga as a path to enlightenment and happiness and all of our classes included a spiritual focus. You can expect your teacher to set a theme or focus for the class, a little chanting, and meditation to be woven into the physical practice of asana.