yoga shine undo
What is Yoga?
The word yoga means to ‘yoke’ or ‘connect’.
We may ask: what are we connecting? Body with mind, mind with body, body and mind with breath.
The physical practice of yoga involves the practicing of yoga poses or ‘?sanas’ as well as breath practices or ‘pr?nay?ma.
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What are the Benefits of yoga?
The poses and sequences of poses, work on all aspects of the human body and psyche. The practice will make you stronger as well as more flexible. However, this is not necessarily the goal. The real benefit would be increased clarity and a sense of calm and greater resilience to take into life. The greatest benefit is to be better at living!
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Do you have to be flexible to start yoga?
Definitely not! The practice meets you where you are, always.
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Can I practice yoga if I have an injury?
Yes, of course your teacher will modify or suggest to you to leave out certain poses whilst you are recovering. A huge part of learning and practicing yoga is to work with injuries or other types of physical pain/ problems.
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
These are some of the books I have in my own yoga library at home:
Yoga the Iyengar Way by Silva Mehta
This is the best resource for new students to yoga. As well as more experienced students. The pictures are clear with the names of the poses. There are also short sequences at the back for developing a home practice.
???Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar
This is the yoga bible. This is the best resource for all yoga poses. We often refer to this in class and look at the wonderful pictures.
Light on Life by BKS Iyengar
Wonderful if you are a bit further on in your practice and feel like delving deeper.
A Life Worth Breathing by Max Strom
This is an easy read and highly recommended.
Centered Yoga of Dona Holleman by Dona Holleman,
Dona Holleman is one of BKS Iyengar’s first Western students. I have been to Italy to practice with her and she brings wonderful insights to the practice.
Working with her principles are invaluable.
The Mirror of Yoga: Awakening the Intelligence of Body and Mindby Richard Freeman
This is a dense read but with beautiful use of metaphor as only Richard Freeman can do. Worth it if you are passionate!