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Everyone has a slightly different definition of yoga, and yet we should all be open and receptive to appreciate these differences. Ultimately, what is relatively more important is "What does yoga mean to you based on your personal practice and understanding? How do you incorporate yoga into your daily life to enrich your own path?" Whatever is your definition of yoga, eventually all our paths will lead toward the common goal of Self-inquiry, Awakening, and Realization. To me, Yoga is more than just a physical stretch or exercise. Yoga is an inward journey to connect with oneself, and re-discover our inner Self again. We do not have to arrive at a state of emotional distress, mental breakdown, or feeling lost and dis-connected from oneself, and out of desperation seek out yoga as a last resort in attempt to feel balanced, wholesome, or rejuvenated again. Humbly, yoga is a way of life, a moment-to-moment surrender and acceptance of each reality that life delivers, while we constantly remain present and mindful of our every thought, emotion, word, and action. Every moment in our lives is an opportunity for yoga, meditation, and getting in touch with one's Inner Self. We can all extend our yoga practice on the yoga mat into our daily lives towards Self-inquiry, Awakening, and Realization. Yoga is a complete science of life and the oldest system of personal development in the world. The word "yoga" means "to join" or "yoke together", and the practice of yoga actually connects and unites the body, breath, mind, and Inner Self, together as one harmonious experience. Many people are first drawn to yoga when they begin their quest for a more meaningful, purposeful, and fulfilling, life. Others just want a fitter and more supple body, or an outlet to release stress. Yoga most certainly delivers these benefits. Whatever the initial intention might be, eventually we all progress towards the same path, connecting with our Inner Self (and Higher Power, if one has a religious belief, however, yoga is not a religion). Through consistent yoga practice, one can experience these benefits: Physical level (Annamaya Kosha):
Energy/Breath Level (Pranamaya Kosha):
Mental/Emotional level (Manomaya Kosha):
Wisdom Level (Vijnanamaya Kosha):
Spiritual level (Anandamaya Kosha):
In a general yoga class, one will typically learn and practice:
Yoga is not a religion. In the traditional yoga scriptures, no one god is named. Some yoga practitioners choose to honour an idea rather than a single god; whereas others aspire to deepen their relationship with their Inner-Self or Higher Power (if one has a religious belief). Hence, everyone should practice yoga at his/her own personal level and pace, respecting self-boundaries, abilities, and beliefs. It is simply about giving one's best to remain 'present' throughout the various challenges in the yoga practice, not competing with one's neighbors but exercising Self-acceptance and contentment within, observing and yet not identifying with one's inner thought or ego. However, yoga will eventually become a practice for spiritual connection with one's Inner Self. As one continues to progress in his/her yoga and meditation practice, one simply learns to anchor his/her awareness at the point of concentration for an extended period of time, sit back and dispassionately witness the stories created by the mind and ego; and by not getting constantly involved in them, over time the mind and ego begin to settle; eventually, one arrives at a state of inner tranquility, silence, stillness, peace, bliss, relaxation, harmony, and clarity, where one experiences and merges with the Inner Self (and Higher Power, if one has a religious belief). Yoga is a study that unites the body, breathe, mind, and spirit, through three main components:
The yoga postures (Asana) are designed to:
Hence, everyone is encouraged to treat one's body "as a temple", with care and respect. In yoga, prana/chi/qi is the source of life force in our physical body. The breathing methods (Pranayama) are based on the concept of increasing the intake of prana/chi/qi into our physical body, and channeling this prana/chi/qi flow through the meridians/nadis to the various parts of our body, thus keeping our physical body healthy and mind alert. Both yoga postures (Asana) and breathing methods (Pranayama) prepare the body, breath, and mind, for meditation (Dhyana) through the various meditation techniques. Yoga is a practice that can be adapted to suit any life stage or body shape. Everyone is different in body structure, fitness level, flexibility, concentration ability, and breathing capacity. My yoga classes are designed and structured around these primary principles. I encompass the (classical and slower) Hatha yoga, (dynamic) Vinyasa Flow yoga, (meditative) Yin and Yin+Yang yoga, and (therapeutic) Yoga Therapy, to create an ideal platform to condition the body, breath, and mind. I encourage my students to practice yoga at their own pace, respecting their boundaries, abilities, and beliefs, and enjoy the multiple benefits that yoga brings. All it takes is personal commitment, self-discipline, and patience. My mottos for practicing and teaching yoga are:
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