A short introduction to yoga

The word yoga symbolises the union of oneself with all that is.

Yoga aims to balance all the aspects of the self: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual and to bring out the best in each individual. It offers us a way to live a healthy and harmonious life.

Yoga has been practised and passed on for thousands of years. Originating in India, the first references to yoga, its philosophy and its many postures were discovered in some of the oldest written manuscripts ever found. These original scripts were written in Sanskrit - an ancient and sacred language. A lot of what is known as yoga today is due to the collected works and translations of Patanjali - an Indian sage and yogi from around 300 BC. Patanjali wrote what are known as the yoga sutras.

The “Eightfold Path” - In the yoga sutras Patanjali set down the eightfold path to the strengthening and evolution of the body, mind and soul. This eightfold path is made up of mental and physical disciplines.

Yoga as it is commonly known today is only one limb of this eightfold path - the Asanas or postures.

The eight limbs consist of
Yamas - Ethical and moral observations
Nyamas - Restraints to create inner integrity
Asanas - Postures
Pranayama - Breath regulation
Pratyahara - Sensory withdrawal
Dharana - Concentration
Dhyana - Meditation
Samadhi - State of union with God or the Divine

Yoga is a spiritual practise. It teaches us to journey within, to get to know ourselves and, ultimately, to live in harmony with our soul and the “universal soul” or “God” - whatever you perceive “God” to be.

Hatha Yoga - or sun/moon yoga
The word Hatha expresses the polarity in which all beings function.
Ha is said to be the active, masculine principle of existence - symbolised by the sun, heat, light and creativity.

Tha is correspondingly the feminine, reflective principle - symbolised by the moon, cool, darkness and receptivity.

The performance in slow motion of the gentle, graceful movements of Hatha Yoga and the reflective holding of various asanas allow body, mind and spirit to come into harmony through the balance of these two basic energies.

While honoring the eight limbs of the yoga system,  the primary focus in my classes is to cultivate peace and harmony through the mindful  practise of breathing exercises, postures and relaxation.

Where Ancient meets Contemporary - a synergistic approach to total health
The fusion of yoga and Pilates

By combining the technical precision of Pilates with the time honoured benefits of yoga, each yoga-pilates class becomes a journey that seeks a greater balance between the qualities and benefits of each discipline.

After teaching Pilates and being a yoga student for many years I decided to obtain my qualifications as a yoga teacher to be able to teach a blend of both forms of exercise. 

Even though yoga and Pilates are definitely not the same they combine beautifully and compliment each other. Incorporating the sustained and meditative elements of  yoga with the muscle strengthening and toning  qualities of Pilates, Yoga-Pilates is an ideal balance of body and mind, breathing and movement.

Yoga-Pilates will not only leave you feeling and looking your best but will improve your postural awareness, strengthen your body and spine and help release stress.

Open Twist

©2009 Micki Mayo Pilates | Brisbane Australia | p: 0421 761 097 | e: micki at mickimayopilates.com