frequently asked questions
Q: WHAT IS YOGA?
The word Yoga means “yoke” or union, combining the body, mind and spirit through breath and meditation. It is a science more than 4000 years old originating in India.
Today, people are turning to yoga for many reasons. Physical strength and flexibility will be developed, but the ultimate purpose of yoga is the inner journey, unique to each practitioner.
Once you discover yoga, you will not only feel better physically and mentally than ever before, but you will feel empowered by presence and inner strength which will bring you back home to yourself time and again.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
socks if your feet get chilly
Water if you need it
A blanket that will cover you from chin to toe
Yoga Mat
Props to consider in building on a class practice, when shifting to a personal practice:
Two-four green foam blocks
two traditional bricks
a yoga bolster
yoga strap, one short, one long
I highly advise supporting our local Yoga Association of Alberta, not only the most wonderful community of yogis, yoga teachers and wonderful staff, they carry many lovely yoga items and support local suppliers.
www.yoga.ab.ca
Q: WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO CLASS?
Clothing that allows you to move freely, be comfortable, and have fun. Layers are often advisable since often one part of the class is more active and heat-producing while other parts are calming and cooling. Yoga teachers also appreciate clothing that allows them to check for misalignments which could compromise your body, which is difficult if the clothing is too baggy. A t-shirt and leggings or sweatpants is a good comfortable choice.
Q. IS YOGA A RELIGION?
No. Yoga is a science to attain peace, enlightenment and liberation. Any person of any faith or religion can practice yoga. Practicing yoga does not conflict with any religious beliefs, it can be an extention of your personal faith and\or part of your fitness routine. Yoga transcends religion.
Q: IF I AM A NEW STUDENT, WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE AND DURING CLASS?
■Try not to eat a heavy meal 2-3 hours before class. If you are hungry try a light snack like fruit or raw vegetables.
■Show up to class at least 5-10 minutes early
■No cell phones allowed in the teaching space. Please leave them in your car, or if you must bring them in, please make sure the ring is on vibrate.
■Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and after class.
■Listen to your body and let go of expectations or judgment of yourself or of your body, know your physical limitations and accept and honor them with grace. Yoga is about loving, accepting and being comfortable in your body.
■Be present and enter the space with a mindful attitude, it will increase the benefits of your yoga practice. Do your best to leave worries outside the door and use this time to turn inward and invest in yourself.
■Clear the mind and keep your focus on the breath and the inner changes during Asanas, Pranayana and Meditation. When the mind wanders, let the attention come back to the breath.
■Be patient. Yoga, like life, is a journey, not a destination. For each person, the experience is unique as each of our bodies, minds and spirits are unique.
■Ask questions. I am here as a resource to help and serve you, the student. If you have any doubts or needs before, during or after class, please ask.
Q: What are the benefits of practicing yoga?
Some of the benefits of practicing yoga are:
■Create body strength and stamina
■Increase total flexibility
■Reduces daily stress and anxiety through breath and meditation
■Learn the art of relaxation
■Improve general health, mentally, physically and spiritually
■Aids in rehabilitation and healing/preventing injuries
__________________________________________________________
There are three major components to a Classical Yoga class, each with its own unique benefits:
Pranayama:
Breath Control increases circulation, brings more oxygen to the brain, reduces stress and anxiety, enlarges lung capacity and lung tissue becomes more elastic and surrounding muscles more flexible. Breath alone can activate your natural healing body which makes you more effective at dealing with stress and pain whether in the physical or mental layer.
Asanas: (postures)
When practiced in conjunction with the breath, yoga postures can tone the body, release tension and tightness, increase flexibility, strength and balance.
Meditation:
Practicing daily meditation will quiet the mind and can reduce anxiety, stress levels, cholesterol levels, chronic pain, blood pressure and enhance all aspects of your well being.
________________________________________________________
LASTLY, it is important to give yoga a chance if you are new. I always suggest trying 3 classes for you/your body to truly decide if my particular style of yoga/teaching is or is not for you. If you decide I am not for you, do let me know and I would be happy to give you resources to continue out of class or to find other instruction.
NAMASTE
I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells.
I honor the place in you which is of love, of peace, of light, and of truth.
When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me,
We are One.
The word Yoga means “yoke” or union, combining the body, mind and spirit through breath and meditation. It is a science more than 4000 years old originating in India.
Today, people are turning to yoga for many reasons. Physical strength and flexibility will be developed, but the ultimate purpose of yoga is the inner journey, unique to each practitioner.
Once you discover yoga, you will not only feel better physically and mentally than ever before, but you will feel empowered by presence and inner strength which will bring you back home to yourself time and again.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
socks if your feet get chilly
Water if you need it
A blanket that will cover you from chin to toe
Yoga Mat
Props to consider in building on a class practice, when shifting to a personal practice:
Two-four green foam blocks
two traditional bricks
a yoga bolster
yoga strap, one short, one long
I highly advise supporting our local Yoga Association of Alberta, not only the most wonderful community of yogis, yoga teachers and wonderful staff, they carry many lovely yoga items and support local suppliers.
www.yoga.ab.ca
Q: WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO CLASS?
Clothing that allows you to move freely, be comfortable, and have fun. Layers are often advisable since often one part of the class is more active and heat-producing while other parts are calming and cooling. Yoga teachers also appreciate clothing that allows them to check for misalignments which could compromise your body, which is difficult if the clothing is too baggy. A t-shirt and leggings or sweatpants is a good comfortable choice.
Q. IS YOGA A RELIGION?
No. Yoga is a science to attain peace, enlightenment and liberation. Any person of any faith or religion can practice yoga. Practicing yoga does not conflict with any religious beliefs, it can be an extention of your personal faith and\or part of your fitness routine. Yoga transcends religion.
Q: IF I AM A NEW STUDENT, WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE AND DURING CLASS?
■Try not to eat a heavy meal 2-3 hours before class. If you are hungry try a light snack like fruit or raw vegetables.
■Show up to class at least 5-10 minutes early
■No cell phones allowed in the teaching space. Please leave them in your car, or if you must bring them in, please make sure the ring is on vibrate.
■Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and after class.
■Listen to your body and let go of expectations or judgment of yourself or of your body, know your physical limitations and accept and honor them with grace. Yoga is about loving, accepting and being comfortable in your body.
■Be present and enter the space with a mindful attitude, it will increase the benefits of your yoga practice. Do your best to leave worries outside the door and use this time to turn inward and invest in yourself.
■Clear the mind and keep your focus on the breath and the inner changes during Asanas, Pranayana and Meditation. When the mind wanders, let the attention come back to the breath.
■Be patient. Yoga, like life, is a journey, not a destination. For each person, the experience is unique as each of our bodies, minds and spirits are unique.
■Ask questions. I am here as a resource to help and serve you, the student. If you have any doubts or needs before, during or after class, please ask.
Q: What are the benefits of practicing yoga?
Some of the benefits of practicing yoga are:
■Create body strength and stamina
■Increase total flexibility
■Reduces daily stress and anxiety through breath and meditation
■Learn the art of relaxation
■Improve general health, mentally, physically and spiritually
■Aids in rehabilitation and healing/preventing injuries
__________________________________________________________
There are three major components to a Classical Yoga class, each with its own unique benefits:
Pranayama:
Breath Control increases circulation, brings more oxygen to the brain, reduces stress and anxiety, enlarges lung capacity and lung tissue becomes more elastic and surrounding muscles more flexible. Breath alone can activate your natural healing body which makes you more effective at dealing with stress and pain whether in the physical or mental layer.
Asanas: (postures)
When practiced in conjunction with the breath, yoga postures can tone the body, release tension and tightness, increase flexibility, strength and balance.
Meditation:
Practicing daily meditation will quiet the mind and can reduce anxiety, stress levels, cholesterol levels, chronic pain, blood pressure and enhance all aspects of your well being.
________________________________________________________
LASTLY, it is important to give yoga a chance if you are new. I always suggest trying 3 classes for you/your body to truly decide if my particular style of yoga/teaching is or is not for you. If you decide I am not for you, do let me know and I would be happy to give you resources to continue out of class or to find other instruction.
NAMASTE
I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells.
I honor the place in you which is of love, of peace, of light, and of truth.
When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me,
We are One.
