My Yoga Journey
My Yoga Journey…
Started energy/qi related exercises such as Taiqi-Qiqong back in 1997. Have been taught by teachers in UK and Europe.
Studied Feng Shui under tutelage of various masters
Been taught Buddhist Meditation by the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order (FWBO) since 2001
Attended Transcendental Meditation (TM) in 2009
First encounter with Tantra Buddhism in 2000
Attended spiritual & personal development courses & retreats in UK, Croatia, Japan, China & Tibet.
Have been practicing Hatha yoga on and off since 2000.
Attended Agama Yoga (part of a Teachers Training Course) in January 2006 in Thailand.
Accidental Yoga Teaching…
Unexpected and Unplanned Yoga Teaching (for a term) at the Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, P.R.China in 2006
Who are my Audience?
First timers?
Why you’re here today?
Brief expressive sharing…
Heard, Read, Done it?
Curious about yoga?
Start afresh for ALL..
What’s in the name?
Yoga – ‘union’
Tantra (expansion)
Myths – sexual aspect
Expanding & releasing one’s creative energy into higher channels (working on nadis & chakras).
Awaken & harmonise the male & female aspects within us in order to spiritually awaken & realize the whole universe as an expression of the cosmic power, the divine life force.
Many branches, the most well known-Hatha Yoga.
Hatha (sun-moon) – Yoga of postures/asanas; one of the 4 main tradition of Tantra yoga; union ‘of the pairs of opposite’.
Benefits
Certain health related illness (NB Yoga is NOT a cure for all illnesses or diseases!)
Rejuvenate your energy
Calms the mind – subtle meditation i.e. focusing on specific parts of your body
Relieves tension in the body
How Hatha Yoga is designed
To achieve the desired benefits;
Master the posture/asana(s) with comfort & ease
Hold the posture(s) for a long period of time
Focus your mind on the posture
Yoga components
Warming exercises
Asana(s) (84 classical asana-s, pranayama,bandha-s & mudra-s)
Relaxation
What I will teach
A sequence of practical, expressive asanas – Practical Expressive Yoga.
To experience the benefits, one has to practice with concentration and also a desire for personal development.
Practical Expressive Yoga consisting of…
Simple kriya Yoga - cleansing
Warming exercises (also loosening up exercises for morning yoga)
Tantra-Hatha asanas (15 asanas plus Suryanamaskara/Sun Salutation)
Relaxation
Holistic, spiritual approach to healthy living includes not only practicing yoga but also understanding your dietary needs, your spiritual wellbeings & integrating these into your daily activities.
My hope is that ‘Practical Expressive Yoga’ will provide an essential ‘First Step’ to open your path to higher levels of awareness & consciousness.
What I will not teach
Pranayama/breath control
Spiritual teachings of Tantra Yoga
Power Yoga
And other forms/branches of Yoga
How I teach
Asanas with subtle meditation…
Focusing of mind on specific parts of body
Closing of eyes during yoga (for most of the asanas)
Breathing …
Unless explicitly mentioned, normal breathing through nose.
Basic Health & Safety Guideline…
Yoga Mat, water & clothing
Pre Yoga
No heavy meals 2 hr before class
Be punctual
Share your experiences e.g.
Any injuries or medical problems ( privately with teacher)
Post yoga experiences; doing yoga may heighten or bring out past illness/pain (a form of detoxification/cleansing of your body). Other awareness & consciousness experiences.
Bring Music/CD (expressive music)
Bring some fresh flowers
Another natural beauty available in Kunming, natural flower oil/essence
During Yoga
Listen to your own body
Be mindful & be aware
Post Yoga (straight after yoga class)
Take it easy – ‘calming of the mind’ effects
Bathing – allow at least 20 mins after yoga
Eating – allow at least 15 mins after yoga
Yoga outside Class
Respect the basic Health & safety guidelines
Sequence of practice
Warming exercises
Sequence of the asanas
Relaxation
Respect your limitations
Enjoy!