In this article, guest blogger Olivia Hazlitt delves into the science behind the benefits of yoga. While many people know that yoga is good for them, they may not understand the scientific reasons behind it. Olivia explores common notions about what happens during a yoga practice, backed by scientific evidence from neuroscience and other fields. Discover the “why” behind the benefits of yoga in this informative article.
[Read more…] about The Science of Yoga: Understanding the BenefitsSomatic Movement: Why it Matters (and How to Do It)
Somatics and somatic movement are vital components of the yoga learning process. By focusing on the internal feelings of the movement, we can learn new skills more consciously. This is important, as we cannot learn something new if we aren’t aware of what we’re doing. In addition, somatic movement allows us to explore our bodies and activities in a safe and controlled environment. It helps us to develop a better understanding of how our bodies move.
In this article, I will discuss the similarities and differences between these two types of practice.
[Read more…] about Somatic Movement: Why it Matters (and How to Do It)The History and Practice of Surya Namaskar.
As the sun peeked over the horizon, casting its gentle light upon the world, a figure could be seen out in the open courtyard, performing a sequence of poses known as Surya namaskar. The person was stretching and bending their body in graceful arcs, seeming to commune with the morning sun. It was a beautiful sight to behold.
If you’re a yoga practitioner, or even if you’ve just dabbled in it here and there, you’re probably familiar with Surya Namaskar, or Sun salutation. This foundational sequence of poses is said to trace its origins back thousands of years to the Vedic scriptures. While the details of how this ancient practice has evolved over time can be up for debate, one thing is for sure: Surya Namaskar is a powerful way to open up your body and mind. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history and practice of Surya Namaskar in more detail. Stay tuned!
What exactly is Surya Namaskar
Surya namaskar, or sun salutations, is a series of 12 yoga poses traditionally performed to greet the sun as a symbol of gratitude and reverence. This ancient practice dates back to the Vedic period in India, but it is now widely practised as a modern yoga practice worldwide.
[Read more…] about The History and Practice of Surya Namaskar.Sun Salutations – A Beginners Guide to Surya Namaskar
The sun was just starting to peek over the horizon, and Jane and Gerald were already up and moving. They greeted the new day with a beautiful, synchronised flow of poses and breathing patterns called the Surya namaskar, or sun salutations.
This simple routine had become their secret to a happy, healthy relationship. The gentle movements and deep breathing helped them start their day with mindfulness and clarity. They felt more patient, kind, and thoughtful as parents and partners.
The sun continued to rise as they flowed through each pose until finally, they finished with a long savasana or corpse pose. They lay there for a few moments, soaking in the peace and stillness that the practice had brought them.
[Read more…] about Sun Salutations – A Beginners Guide to Surya NamaskarThe Benefits of Yoga Part 1: Tried Scaravelli inspired Yoga?
The benefits of yoga are many, and when we align ourselves with the right practise, we can reap even more.
My name is Erling, and I have been teaching yoga for 24 years. I am a senior qualified teacher with the Independent Yoga Network (IYN) and a yoga studio owner. My teaching style is inspired by the work of Vanda Scaravelli, who developed a unique approach to the practise of yoga.
Scaravelli-inspired yoga is a gentle and supportive form of yoga that emphasises the use of the breath to release tension from the body. The focus is on quality over quantity and on moving in a way that feels good for you. This style of yoga is suitable for all levels of ability and can be adapted.
[Read more…] about The Benefits of Yoga Part 1: Tried Scaravelli inspired Yoga?Why I Love to Teach Yoga to Beginners
If you are a yoga teacher, you know that the beginner yoga student is most adaptable and can learn quickly. Something about the beginner’s mind allows for new information and ideas to be absorbed easily.
I love teaching yoga to beginners because their minds are the most adaptable. When you are new to yoga, everything is novel, and there is so much to learn. However, this willingness to learn and explore creates a sense of openness that can be difficult to find later on in our yoga journey. When we are not fixed in our ideas about what yoga is “supposed” to be, we can let go of our preconceived notions and explore what yoga offers.
[Read more…] about Why I Love to Teach Yoga to Beginners