Start from Joy
yoga classes in the tradition of Sri T Krishnamacharya
Why start from joy?
A fundamental element of Indian spiritual traditions is the orientation of one's practice. Hints to this sense of direction are often found within the philosophical or devotional aspects of the tradition, and help as a guide for practitioners to move towards their goals.
Many years ago I learned from my teachers in India that the first aphorism in the Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, "atha yoganuśasanam", which normally translates as "here begins the teaching/practicing of yoga", could also mean that we begin our practice from that place of light and joy in ourselves. In another aphorism, Patanjali also enumerates Santosha, often translated as "contentment", as one of the Niyamas, or ethical observances, as a foundational aspect of the yogic tradition.
This inner light and joyful energy is accessible to us in the present moment, promoting a sense of inner peace and well-being. It is therefore an important aspect of the yogic path to begin the practice from this space and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the present moment.
This inspires me to start from a place of inner joy every day, and as a yoga teacher, I strive to share these yoga tools and insights with my students, encouraging them to cultivate a more joyful and fulfilling life.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is a practice and a philosophy that has its origins in ancient India and has been passed down through generations of teachers and students. It is a holistic discipline that aims to harmonise the mind, body, and spirit.
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Some of the most well known practices in modern yoga are:
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Asanas, or physical postures, designed to increase flexibility, strength, and balance.
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Breathing techniques, known as pranayama, are also an essential part of yoga practice, and are used to help calm the mind and energise the body.
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Meditation and mindfulness.
There are many different styles and traditions of yoga, but they all share the common goal of promoting health, well-being, and spiritual growth.
Who was Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya?
Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, who was born in Mysore November 18th 1888, implemented an approach to yoga that was highly individualised and adaptable, and instead of promoting a particular style or system of yoga, emphasised the importance of tailoring yoga practices to meet the needs and abilities of individual students. He is considered by many as the father of modern yoga.
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Though asana-s are often mistakenly taken as the complete practice of yoga, they are only one of the eight limbs in the Patanjali Yoga sutra-s, which is the foundational text of yoga and a main source in the Krishnamacharya Tradition.
These eight limbs of yoga according to Patanjali include ethical guidance for living (yama and niyama), physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), sense withdrawal (pratyahara), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and union with the universal consciousness (samadhi).
The Krishnamacharya tradition aims to the practice of all eight limbs of yoga in a personalised and adaptable way.
What are key elements of the Krishnamacharya Tradition?
Vinyasa
Sri Krishnamacharya adopted the vinyasa krama for the asana practice in yoga, which links breath with movement in a flowing sequence of yoga postures.
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Pranayama
Sri Krishnamacharya emphasized the importance of breath control, or pranayama, as a means of regulating the flow of energy in the body and calming the mind.
Adaptability
Sri Krishnamacharya believed that yoga practices should be tailored to meet the needs of individual students, taking into account factors such as their age, health, and level of experience.
Let's start...
...with a small exercise to get in touch with your body, breath and mind
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...feel your body from the sole of your feet to the top of the head and get in touch with the sensations you discover...
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...breathe normally and feel the rhythmic movement in your body every time you inhale and exhale...
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...if thoughts arise simply go back with your attention to your breath and the movements it creates in your body...
...and let the mind rest in this awareness
Private Yoga Classes
One-on-one classes in the Krishnamacharya tradition.
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Practice yoga in a way that is tailored to your unique needs and abilities, and that supports your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Online Group Yoga Classes
The group yoga classes are deeply rooted in the Krishnamacharya tradition and include asana, pranayama, meditation and philosophy.
After the class you will feel a deeper sense of calm, focus, and joy.
Yoga
Seminars
We will dive deep in different subjects, with a group of likeminded people who will support our learning.
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The seminars, workshops and talks will be announced regularly here.
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Corporate Workshops
According to scientific studies, bringing mindfulness to the workplace can help to:
reduce stress-levels, improve focus, increase team commitment, facilitate communication, boost creativity and innovation