Yoga Essentials WORKSHOP 1 8 LIMBS

What is Yoga? Union - of the the body, breath & mind > union with the universe What happens when this is achieved - stillness, clarity, samadhi Yoga chitta vritti nirodha How do we achieve this? Through the progression through the 8 limbs

4 main paths of yoga not separate Karma Yoga the path of action, deals with the laws of cause & effect. It s action has a corresponding reaction. Bhakti Yoga the path of devotion. Jnana yoga Yoga of knowledge to attain self knowledge through study, practice and experience. Raja / Hatha yoga Eight limb path.

Patanjali s Yoga Sutra s Written by Patanjali over 2000 years ago 196 verses 4 Chapters: Chapter 1 - Defines yoga and the activities of the mind Chapter 2 - Describes the practices used to transform the mind Chapter 3 - Describe what can be achieved via the progression through the practices (Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi). Chapter 4 Liberation, the possibilities which are possible for a person with a highly refined mind FREEDOM

8 limbs of Yoga (hatha / raja yoga) Yamas: Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Aparigraha, Brahmacharya Niyama: Tapas, Santosha, Saucha, Svadhyaya, Ishvara Pranidhana Asana Yoga postures (Can be taught in different ways iyengar, hatha vinyasa, power yoga) Pranayama Breath control, controlling the vital energy *Pratyahara Withdrawal of the senses (stage 1 of meditation) *Dharana Connection with an object (stage 2 of meditation) *Dhyana Sustained concentration (stage 3 of meditation) Samadhi Enlightenment / complete union

The most important Yoga! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw5qqljfq3m

Yoga in daily life How you can integrate the yamas & niyamas into your daily life?

Yoga Essentials WORKSHOP 2 PRANAYAMA & MEDITATION

Why is Pranayama so important? Determines the benefits you receive Effects the way in which the body functions AND the way the body functions affects the breath Prescription is personal Techniques which work with the inhalation as generally stimulating Techniques which work with the exhalation are generally calming

Step 1: Regain Natural Breathing Diaphragmatic Breath / Belly Breathing - Relaxes body & mind and prepares you for practice

Step 2: Sama Vritti Balance inhale to exhale Simple, easy and safe It is recommended to master sama vritti before attempting other pranayama techniques

Shitali Pranayama + Sound (Ma) A cooling technique, running the air over the wet tongue cools the breath as it enters the body. Chanting Ma ~ extends the exhalation, creates calming effect of body & mind.

Lions Pose Simhasana is a strong seated asana, which incorporates a powerful breathing technique with a forceful exhalation. Reduces stress, anger & anxiety Place your hands on your knees. Straighten your arms and extend your fingers Inhale through your nose shift dristi towards your third eye Open your mouth stick your tongue as far out as possible towards your chin and exhale strongly through the mouth, making a "ha" sound Inhale, returning to a neutral face Repeat 5 times

Workshop 2: Developing a Personal Practice Frequency? DAILY, Amount of time? 20 MINS, Time of Day? Morning/ Night/ Both, Place? A regular place is best however be free to meditate anywhere Stage 1: Stilling the mind: Pratyahara Withdrawal of senses Dharana connection with an object Dhyana sustained concentration Stage 2: Self Inquiry - Reflect on distractions, keep a meditation journal, review monthly Stage 3: Self Transformation - Act on things that continually present themselves

Practices which you can do at home! Sama Vritti Shitali Pranayama AUM Meditation A legs, U body, M Head