What is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient practice that brings into harmony mind, body and spirit. Like many old traditions, it still is practiced today because it can make a very positive impact on how we live; especially in this part of the world.
Yoga is considered a “practice”. You face it each day with the intention of making an effort. You do not enter into the practice thinking that you will be perfect, simply that you will practice, explore and make discoveries along the way. Yoga is personal and individualistic.
The practice of Yoga involves eight dimensions or “limbs” that include the well known postures (asana), breathing (pranayama), and meditation (dhyani). Yoga also includes restraints, observances, concentration, withdrawal of senses and liberation or enlightenment.
Yoga is a lifelong practice that can help you live in a more calm and balanced way.
The Coe Hill Dharma Centre Yoga System:
Yoga sessions start with a quiet time where students sit on their mats and make an attempt at quiet meditation. This is a time to try to leave everything pressing at the door and focus on achieving quiet in our minds.
After the opening meditation the students work through asanas while being coached on breathing techniques. Each asana has benefits to the body and mind that the teacher will explain and students will be encouraged to work at a pace that brings them comfort and satisfaction.
The Yoga session ends with a final position called Savasana. Although Savasana is spoken of as the most difficult asana to master, the focus is simple -- all you do is relax every body part as you lie on your mat and let everything you have practiced sink in. It is peaceful and rejuvenating and it is a time of discovery.
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