Who can do Yoga?
The truth is, anyone can. The postures can be adapted for all, whatever your ability. Yoga incorporates more than just stretching and moving, it is also breath work, meditation and relaxation.
You will find within this practice an acceptance,
regardless of your experience or capabilities.
What is Yoga?
Yoga originated in India, in the Indus valley, around 5,000 years ago. The word Yoga is a Sanskrit word which translates as ‘union’ or ’joining’. It can be interpreted as the union of body, mind and soul or the union of the true self with the infinite everything.
- Raja Yoga is the ‘royal path’. This contains eight steps:
- Yamas: five abstinences
- Niyamas: five observances
- Asana: seated posture
- Pranayama: breath/ life-force awareness
- Pratyahara: withdrawal of the senses
- Dharana: concentration
- Dhyana: meditation
- Samadhi: Yoga/ enlightenment
This comprehensive system gives a clear method of how to cease the turnings of the mind using the physical body and well as the senses and the breath. All of this is discussed in detail in the ancient text ‘The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali’.
In most western classes the Yoga practised is Asana, the physical practice. These classes may also include some of the other limbs detailed above, particularly pranayama. These classes are often called ‘Hatha Yoga’.
About Virginia and Earth Yoga
I qualified as a nurse in 1992. I began to work with people with substance misuse issues in 1994. I have always been driven by looking at how people can find peace and contentment.
On beginning to practice Yoga in 2003 I understood that this could be a route for many to begin to find the place within themselves which enables them to experience genuine stillness.
I qualified as a Yoga teacher with Duncan Hulin of the Devon School of Yoga. This learning has influenced my practice greatly, as has my most recent teacher, Debbie Mills from Texas and my first teacher, Jenni Adams from Torquay. I am a Yoga Alliance and Independent Yoga Network Registered teacher.
I practise a style of Yoga which is holistic. This means that it takes into account the energy of the individual or group, any specific physical or psychological issues on that particular day, as well as the time of day and the season.
Earth Yoga is inspired by nature. South Devon is a beautiful place, so we use the outdoors for our practice on a regular basis, the beach, the woodlands, the open moors and a local organic charity run farm (Growing for Life) all of this helps us to experience an interconnectedness with life as a whole, adding a real magic to our Yoga experience.
The Nature of Peace
It is my true nature to bring peace to this world.
To nurture my spirit and develop my gifts
To embrace my virtue and act with honour in my daily life
To develop a love for all humanity and extend compassion
To be courageous when others may not have the strength
To be forgiving when others may not have the courtesy
To be thankful for all the opportunities in my life
To know that the true source of peace is in my heart
To know that if peace is to be it is up to me
( Anonymous)
