Yoga classes are based on:
- ‘Just Sitting’ Meditation – in a comfortable and stable seated position, the spine effortlessly erect, we practice to actively observe what arises and over time concentration intensifies into meditation.
- Pranayama is the control of Prana the life force through controlling the breath. Various breathing techniques are explored and practiced. By observing the breath quietly, we connect to it and are then able to direct it at will. The breath and mind are intricately connected.
- Vayu Practice are certain breathing exercises focused on certain areas that run along the axis of the body. “They bring a quiet alertness to the mind, enhance the way we breathe, and create a vertical center. The beauty of this practice lies in its simplicity.” – Orit Sen-Gupta. The Vayus are are also aligned with the energy centres the Chakras and the endocrine system the glands.
- Joint releasing exercises provide many benefits. On the physical plane they give suppleness in the areas of the joints, and remove the hardness of the muscles. Performing them also improves the process of lubrication, revitalising the tissues, improving nutrition and elimination of stale air from the joints. Beginning from the toes we work upwards moving and releasing the air within the major joints systematically focusing on them as we perform them.
- Asana Practice, guided by the seven principles to refine and deepen the poses, each class we work on one of the various groups of poses ie standing postures, hand balances, forward bends, twists, backbends, inverted postures and sitting postures etc, and finish with Savasana, relaxing pose.
Seven Principles, Relaxing the body, quieting the mind, intent, rooting, connecting, breathing and expanding. Mastery of these comes with time and practice.
Source: Orit Sen-Gupta (with permission of Vijnana Yoga International)
