Yoga sutra 1.2 : yogas chitta vritti nirodha ~ yoga is the suppression of the fluctuations of the mind.
In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, a foundational Hindu text comprised of 196 aphorisms, only 3 refer to physical yoga or asana. In traditional yoga, the main aim of the physical postures is to prepare the body to sit for long periods of time in meditation.
In modern times we are exposed to a more physical-based idea of yoga. As a yoga teacher, I have heard “I’m not flexible enough” more times than I can count. But yoga isn’t about whether or not you can get your foot behind your head. It is a practice of connection
Where did yoga originate?
The age-old practice of yoga originated in ancient India. The word yoga comes from Sanskrit and translates to unity or connectedness - meaning the connection between body, mind & spirit.
Asana (physical postures), pranayama (breath control) and meditation serve as different tools to achieve this unity.
A regular practice of yoga and meditation helps develop inner awareness, to form a deeper connection to self & to cultivate present moment awareness. It also helps improve flexibility, strength & balance in your physical body, which we see in modern yoga practice.
Which is which?
The longevity of yoga speaks for itself, but it can often get a little confusing with all the terms and styles of yoga. Here are a few you might have heard of.
Hatha
Hatha yoga helps balance the body, mind and spirit by practicing physical postures, pranayama, mudra & bandha. It is practised slowly with static holds to strengthen and purify the physical body & cultivate prana (life-force energy).
Vinyasa
A creative & dynamic form of hatha yoga connecting one posture to the next with the breath. Each sequence of postures is unique and varies from class to class.
Yin
Yin yoga is unique as it originates from Chinese Taoist philosphy. It targets the deep connective tissues of the body – the ligaments, joints, bones, and deep fascia networks. Shapes are held for longer to allow the body to yield. Energetically, yin yoga improves energy flow and enhances the flow of chi in the organs.
What is the connection between yoga and Ayurveda?
Ayurveda focuses on the mind-body connection to preserve and maintain health, and the harmony between an individual and their environment. Yoga and Ayurveda originate from the same source of knowledge – the science of life.
Ayurveda leads us to self-healing; yoga leads us to self-awareness and to a strong and flexible body. They complement each other on our individual path.
You can read more about Ayurveda on the blog here.
Kerala Ayurvedic Health Retreat
Journeys of the Spirit has been holding retreats in Kerala for the past 20 years. Our Kerala retreat is designed to rebalance your whole being using the ancient healing practices of Ayurveda in the most authentic & honouring way. It is a beautiful combination of divine oil treatments, nourishing food, yoga, meditation & pranayama in the most lush, tropical grounds of the retreat.
Find out all the details of our Kerala retreats here including upcoming dates.
Start your yoga journey now
If you are new to yoga, just take the first step and start. This can be as simple as sitting in silence and connecting with your breath for a few minutes a day. Or try this 5-minute yoga practice with Katie.
If you are seasoned yogi, perhaps you can deepen your practice by trying something new.
Remember, it doesn’t matter what it looks like, it’s how it makes you feel. It’s how you connect to yourself.
Namaste,
Katie
More offerings:
Margaret River Art & Yoga Retreat
