Yoga

‘Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured

and endure what need not be cured’

~ BKS Iyengar, Light on Yoga ~

'The seed of yoga comes up differently in each person'

~ Sri T Krishnamacharya ~

What is yoga?

Its literal definition is certain: yoga is derived from ‘yuj’, a word in the classical Indian language Sanskrit. Translated as ‘to yoke or join together’, yoga means ‘union’.

But what exactly is yoga? Many texts ancient & modern provide guidance toward discovering answers to this seemingly basic question: traditional sources such as the Bhagavad Gita & Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, to Desikachar’s examination of his father, esteemed yogi Sri T Krishnamacharya, in The Yoga of the Yogi or texts by Krishnamacharya’s students such as BKS Iyengar’s Light on Yoga & Mark Whitwell’s Yoga of Heart, all contribute generously to the understanding of yoga. ‘Yoga’, according to Patanjali, ‘is the ability to direct the mind exclusively toward an object & sustain that direction without any distractions' (Chapter 1, Sutra 1). The story of yoga, its meaning & practical application in our daily lives together provide one with assorted tools in pursuit of a life more balanced, holistic & compassionate.

The truth is that yoga means different things to different people. Whether one considers the purpose of yoga ‘is to bring us to the unconditional quality of life & appreciation of our life’, as Mark suggests, or that yoga ‘is the art of proper action’ as evoked within the Bhagavad Gita, one basic ‘sutra’ (thread in Sanskrit) runs common through all texts: that yoga harmonizes mind, body & spirit.

In the spirit of Krishnamacharya & his esteemed student Mark Whitwell, Lungta Wellness adapts yoga to the person rather than the person to yoga. The path of yoga is individual. ‘No techniques are required in yoga’, writes Mark, ‘just surrender!’

Lungta Wellness encourages each student to gather self-empowering yoga skills of asana (posture), pranayama (breath) & purusha (consciousness), becoming independent of any yoga teacher, studio or doctrine.

You are already perfection. You are already a yogi or yogini. You are yoga!

Namaste.

Benefits of Yoga

'Asanas make one firm,

free from maladies,

& light of limb'

Hatha Yoga Pradipika

A regular yoga practice benefits mind body spirit in many ways including:

assisting athletic performance as part of a cross-training programme
enhancing well-being when body mind spirit are balanced
aiding in normalizing endocrine & gastrointestinal function
improving postrue, strength, endurance & immunity
increasing cardiovascular & respiratory efficiency
improving mood, concentration & memory
improving muscle tone & overall fitness
benefiting mental health in general
reducing stress & relieving tension
cleansing internal organs
preventing injuries

Preparation, Guidelines

& Cautions

Preparation

Ideally, practice two hours after a light meal, three for a heavy meal

If you plan on practicing regularly, invest in a good yoga mat. Clean your mat regularly & use an organic spray to disinfect. Limited mats are available to borrow but cannot be guaranteed (please advise if you need a mat)

Yoga clothes & accessories do not have to cost a bundle! Many retail stores carry great clothes in all sizes & at all levels of price points. Wear comfortable clothes & look for yoga &/or running specific exercise wear. Tops should not be too loose as certain poses are inversions, such as shoulder stand. Women should invest in a properly fitting sports bra. For more rigorous practice like the Ashtanga series, choose clothes made of synthetic fabrics, such as ‘Cool Max’, that wick moisture away from the body

Dress in layers so that you can remove a top layer after warming up, & add one during savasana (final relaxation pose).

Take a refillable water container to class & a small towel, particularly for more intense classes, such as Ashtanga

Buy props such as a yoga strap & blocks if you practice restorative poses regularly &/or use props to assist in asanas. Again, some props are available but are limited, so please advise in advance

Frequency of practice & time of day is a matter of personal preference. A regular yoga practice usually consists of attending classes three times per week &/or complemented by home practice. Yoga may be part of one’s cross-training, for instance, & thus depends upon the person

When waiting for a class to begin, use this time to center yourself before class & focus on your practice by setting a personal intention

Guidelines

Muscles are prepared in warm-up portions of class, to assist in attaining correct position, sustaining asana & to prevent muscle cramps or injury

Breathe through each & every asana. Breath feeds the asana, feeds the movement of the asana. Remember to breathe!

Focus the mind on the posture & do not rush from one posture to another

Be attentive to the specific body positions needed to attain the posture

Do not overstretch the spine or muscles to achieve an asana

Work at a level that is comfortable for your body

Move slowly & gently, in & out of asanas

Yoga is not complicated – keep it simple!

If it hurts, it is not yoga!

Cautions

Always consult a health care professional before commencing any new exercise routine to ensure it is suitable for you. For instance, if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure or other medical issues, please seek medical advice prior to undertaking a new yoga regime

All yoga poses can be modified so do not be shy to advise Lungta Wellness: I am dedicated to ensure that yoga adapts to you rather than the reverse!

All new students are required to fill out a short health questionnaire & disclaimer. Forms are available prior to class. Kindly arrive 15 minutes before class if you have never practiced with Lungta Wellness in order to complete the form

Description of Yoga Classes & Workshops

'Yoga must be followed with faith, with a strong &

courageous heart'

Bhagavad Gita

Hatha Yoga Vinyasa

Ha (‘sun’) & tha (‘moon’) yoga is a gentle practice suitable for all levels. Hatha refers to balance between sun & moon, replicated in this flowing class wherein asanas are connected with pranayama to create a graceful vinyasa (‘breath-synchronized movement’). Breathing techniques, mudras (hand gestures), mantras (syllables or words) & meditation are demonstrated, carefully woven into each class, accompanied by ethereal, relaxing music. Classes end with savasana & final meditation. This class encourages non-resistance, acceptance & serenity.

Ashtanga Yoga Level I

This class introduces the practitioner to the system of yoga developed by the late K. Pattabhi Jois, a student of Krishnamacharya. Known in the West invariably as power yoga, ashtanga yoga is a challenging series that enhances flexibility, strength, stamina, balance & concentration. Students will learn ujjayi breath & the graceful movements that comprise the Primary Series. As a preparatory class for Level II, this class encourages non-judgment, trust & vitality.

Ashtanga Yoga Level II

Building upon Level I, students are introduced to further asanas in this challenging class wherein more advanced poses from the Second Series are taught. Students should have a good foundation in the Primary Series before taking this class. This class encourages non-attachment, clarity & stability.

Restorative Yoga

This class is suitable for all ages & levels of students. Through the use of props, the student is guided through gentle, relaxing poses that expand range of motion whilst soothing mind, lifting spirits, finding stillness & exploring union. This class encourages patience, comfort & radiance.

Lungta Yoga: Yoga for Equestrians

In riding, the back is straight, hands soft, & balls of the feet almost ‘float’ on stirrups in a posting trot. Riders must remain balanced whilst partnering with an athlete that shifts in gait from walk, trot, canter & gallop. Easier said than done! Unique to Lungta Wellness, this class focuses upon asana & pranayama beneficial for horseback riders – from the weekend hacker to competitor – in order to open hips, improve posture & achieve balance in mind, body and spirit. In turn, a balanced, calm & fit rider will lessen injury to the horse as a result of tension, instability & imbalance. Riders are provided with routines to practice under saddle so that union, or ‘true unity’ as expressed by natural horseman Tom Dorrance, is achieved! Farm-based workshops can be booked & are a great way to bond with your horse. This class encourages Samadhi, harmony & freedom.

Yoga for Runners

In running, knees are repetitively flexed to varying degrees. The bones & muscles are jarred in up-&-down movements. Leg muscles are disproportionately used in running, which can cause shortening of the tendons. Even with proper running shoes & soft surfaces, this action can place strain on the knee & ankle joints. This class focuses on rejuvenating joints, massaging the heart, opening hips & giving holistic stretches to all leg muscles. Warm up & cool down routines pre & post run will also be discussed & demonstrated. This class encourages vigor, stamina & endurance.

Yoga Workshops

Workshops are held throughout the year, apart from regular classes, to explore further asana, pranayama, mudra, mantra & guided meditation. Special workshops include: Restorative, Ashtanga, Hatha, & tune-up classes for equestrians & runners. Check for workshop updates regularly on this site.

Mysore (Individual) Study

This class follows the tradition of Sri K. Pattabi Jois & is named after the esteemed teacher’s home in India. Students are assisted throughout the class in self-study, as determined by their own interests to delve deeper into their practice. This class ends with guided meditation, encouraging stillness, peace & bliss.

Private & Corporate Classes

Available upon request. Contact Lungta Wellness for details.