Yoga – you’ve heard all about it. The increasingly popular exercise method that seems to do it all!
By Christelle Bouwer
Yoga – you’ve heard all about it. The increasingly popular exercise method that seems to do it all!
The nerve-calmer,
anger-buster,
brain-booster,
lung-opener,
fat-burner,
muscle-lengthener,
problem-solver.
But… you just can’t seem to find your feet when joining a class.
You get stuck in a knot.
You find it boring and slow.
You find it way too intense!
The teacher said something WEIRD!
If you are withstanding the urge to give up, here are 3 things to consider when searching for a yoga class in the Lowveld:
Your style.
Your teacher.
Your people.
Your style:
Yoga has evolved in many ways since its origin in ancient India. Today, there are many different styles of yoga, each with its own approach. Whether you are looking for physical fitness or seeking a deeper connection to your inner self, there is a style of yoga out there that suits your needs. Here are a few popular styles:
Hatha
This slower-paced style is the foundation for many other styles and is GREAT FOR BEGINNERS! Hatha focuses of physical poses and breathing.
Vinyasa
This faster-paced style is considered as an athletic type of yoga. Movement is coordinated to your breath in order to flow from one pose to the next.
Yin
This style does not include any standing poses. It is a relaxing form of yoga where poses are held for longer periods of time and your body relaxes into each pose.
Iyengar
This style focuses on alignment and precise movement. Props are used and poses are held for longer periods of time to correct any misalignment in the body. This style is great for people with injuries that need to go slow. It is also A GREAT PLACE FOR SENIORS TO START!
Kundalini
This style consists of spiritual and physical practices. The practice releases pent up energy at the base of the spine, allowing energy to freely flow though the body again. A Kundalini class may include chanting, mantra and meditation.
Ashtanga
This vigorous style of yoga really tests you on a mental and physical level. It incorporates set sequences and is not for your average beginner. It takes an experienced yogi to love this style.
Your Teacher:
When searching for a teacher, it is important to find one whose style and approach resonates with you. Look for a teacher that makes you feel comfortable and supported. With the right yoga teacher, you can take your practice to the next level and experience all the mental, physical and spiritual benefits that yoga has to offer.
I was amazingly surprised the day that I discovered the long list of practising yoga teachers all over Mpumalanga, so to make your search a little easier, here is a short directory of some local teachers:
If you are looking for a teacher or style not listed above, get in touch so that Sociably can hook you up!
Your People:
There is so much that can be said about the amazing people I have met during my time spent in a yoga class. Getting to know several people in all their diverse glory has been an experience I will never trade.
You will always find a sense of community in a yoga class; however, it is important for your ongoing practice to find the right community. Good news is, once you have identified your style and your teacher, chances are that your community is already waiting for you ☺
Remember that yoga is a physical, mental and emotional practice. Practicing with a supportive community can generate a greater sense of connection and belonging.
Lastly, always keep in mind that yoga is a personal practice. It is a gift from yourself to yourself. It is time spent checking in with yourself. It is unique to each person. No two people are the same, yet there is a sameness in understanding. In knowing that even though the person next to you never accidentally farts in class like you do, even if the person behind you can kiss their own behind and you are not even close to achieving that, we are all here on this planet to experience something.
Something so unique that there is no other person alive who has or will ever experience it in the exact same way.
We are all here to live. To just be.
In love.
Always.
Namaste
(A salutation to the divinity in you, that is also in me♥)
Namast’ay in the Lowveld
Namast’ay in the Lowveld
Yoga – you’ve heard all about it. The increasingly popular exercise method that seems to do it all!
The nerve-calmer,
anger-buster,
brain-booster,
lung-opener,
fat-burner,
muscle-lengthener,
problem-solver.
But… you just can’t seem to find your feet when joining a class.
You get stuck in a knot.
You find it boring and slow.
You find it way too intense!
The teacher said something WEIRD!
If you are withstanding the urge to give up, here are 3 things to consider when searching for a yoga class in the Lowveld:
Your style:
Yoga has evolved in many ways since its origin in ancient India. Today, there are many different styles of yoga, each with its own approach. Whether you are looking for physical fitness or seeking a deeper connection to your inner self, there is a style of yoga out there that suits your needs. Here are a few popular styles:
This slower-paced style is the foundation for many other styles and is GREAT FOR BEGINNERS! Hatha focuses of physical poses and breathing.
This faster-paced style is considered as an athletic type of yoga. Movement is coordinated to your breath in order to flow from one pose to the next.
This style does not include any standing poses. It is a relaxing form of yoga where poses are held for longer periods of time and your body relaxes into each pose.
This style focuses on alignment and precise movement. Props are used and poses are held for longer periods of time to correct any misalignment in the body. This style is great for people with injuries that need to go slow. It is also A GREAT PLACE FOR SENIORS TO START!
This style consists of spiritual and physical practices. The practice releases pent up energy at the base of the spine, allowing energy to freely flow though the body again. A Kundalini class may include chanting, mantra and meditation.
This vigorous style of yoga really tests you on a mental and physical level. It incorporates set sequences and is not for your average beginner. It takes an experienced yogi to love this style.
Your Teacher:
When searching for a teacher, it is important to find one whose style and approach resonates with you. Look for a teacher that makes you feel comfortable and supported. With the right yoga teacher, you can take your practice to the next level and experience all the mental, physical and spiritual benefits that yoga has to offer.
I was amazingly surprised the day that I discovered the long list of practising yoga teachers all over Mpumalanga, so to make your search a little easier, here is a short directory of some local teachers:
Nelspruit:
White River:
Malelane
Emgwenya (Waterval Boven)
If you are looking for a teacher or style not listed above, get in touch so that Sociably can hook you up!
Your People:
There is so much that can be said about the amazing people I have met during my time spent in a yoga class. Getting to know several people in all their diverse glory has been an experience I will never trade.
You will always find a sense of community in a yoga class; however, it is important for your ongoing practice to find the right community. Good news is, once you have identified your style and your teacher, chances are that your community is already waiting for you ☺
Remember that yoga is a physical, mental and emotional practice. Practicing with a supportive community can generate a greater sense of connection and belonging.
Lastly, always keep in mind that yoga is a personal practice. It is a gift from yourself to yourself. It is time spent checking in with yourself. It is unique to each person. No two people are the same, yet there is a sameness in understanding. In knowing that even though the person next to you never accidentally farts in class like you do, even if the person behind you can kiss their own behind and you are not even close to achieving that, we are all here on this planet to experience something.
Something so unique that there is no other person alive who has or will ever experience it in the exact same way.
We are all here to live. To just be.
In love.
Always.
Namaste
(A salutation to the divinity in you, that is also in me♥)
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