Why learn Iyengar Yoga?

Iyengar Yoga is knowledge gained through practice. An understanding that comes from the simple act of placing your feet on a mat and paying attention from that point on.

Initially this attention to detail will be experienced as you are instructed into the various postures (asanas). For example, how to the position the body, how to become stable from base up, progressively building foundation in the poses, understanding alignment, developing an awareness of the body as a physical" consciousness ".

Overtime this practice of building attention to every part of the body, brings an awareness of how the mind responds to the posture. The relationship between mind and body becomes more evident.

Iyengar Yoga emphasises clear and progressive attention to detail.

Each asana has a shape of its own and once we inhabit that shape or construct, it takes us into its world. The experience of each asana is quite different and unique and can evoke different responses or feelings within us. At first it may seem like an external experience but over time with consistent practice, as we become more settled in the asana, more present, another world unveils itself, that of our inner world, the mind and its workings.

With consistent practice we gain insights into habitual responses or reactions. The practice can help us shift or change these responses and rid us of unhealthy habits. With consistent practice an overall sense of physical and mental wellbeing starts to prevail. On a physical level pains such as back, neck and joint pain and muscular stiffness will be reduced. On a mental level symptoms such as stress, anxiety and sleeplessness will lessen. An overall calm will be felt with regular practice.

The simple act of positioning ourselves in a posture with detail and attention consistently is felt on a much deeper level, than just that first physical act.

Our methodology

Initially this involves positioning the body into the various asanas.Through this discipline an understanding evolves, on how to coordinate the body ,breath and apply the mind. The asanas are grouped into standing poses,forward extensions, backbends,twists ,inversions ,arm balances and so on. Over the course of a 4 or 5 week month , we focus on the various asanas .In the more experienced classes we will include pranayama. During the month the students may experience dynamic classes through to a quieter class with emphasis on a more restorative practice .

• Alignment

You will notice that much emphasis is placed on the understanding of alignment in each posture. When the body and spine are aligned, the mind is more readily in the present .The overall affect of this practice evokes a sense physical stability and mental quiet.

• Repetition

Repetition is a key element in the practice .It is through the repeated practice of the poses that we create stability ,both physically and mentally, and are able to gain further insight into both mind and body.

• Sequencing

The order of poses is significant and can take us deeper into the practice.Particular poses affect us in various ways ,the attention as to how we sequence can alter our mind/ body relationship.

For example ,a headstand is a heating pose ,somewhat stimulating .Whereas a shoulderstand and its variations bring quiet and inner reflection .In a practice where our intention is to journey inwards ,we practice headstand before a shoulderstand to encourage the mind/body to became stable and quiet .

• Props

We may use various props ,bricks ,chairs ,belts etc to aid the body to accomplish a pose where is may be resisting, or to bring a deeper experience in the pose.

• Adjustments

This is an integral part of the Iyengar process.

The teachers training is thorough and over many years ,teachers are taught how to apply their hands to adjust students ,to further enhance the experience for the student .With the help of an adjustment the student may be able to travel deeper into the pose. Just as we may use language as a tool so to our hands can help a student further understand a pose from within.

We aim to create a safe and friendly environment in which to share our knowledge of this practice ,and to invite students along on the journey.
It is our intention to share through our teaching all the benefits that yoga brings .

What distinguishes Iyengar Yoga .