Topic 6.01.16 Learn the Basics

Topic 6.01.16 Learn the Basics. VERSION CONTROL: 1 August 2017

ShantiYoga is a colourful tapestry woven in stillness and movement, effort and rest. Are you ready to weave a tapestry from the threads of breath, movement, mind and spirit?

First you must master the fundamentals, the ‘alphabet’ for Yoga. In this aspect Yoga is a science. Some people ‘balk’ at learning formula. This is an unfortunate approach, and a bit like saying you want to read and write…but are unwilling to learn the alphabet, grammar and punctuation.

The fundamentals comprise more than 300 practices, which consist of

• Yoga poses and exercises, asanas

• Yoga breathing practices, pranayamas

• Yoga relaxation, yoga nidra.

With these basics, you can start to ‘study’ your own body and its movements …and with the understanding that arises from this you will be able to construct classes. All people are individuals. When you learn the formula and develop the skills, you will be able to teach appropriately for the unique and personal paths of each individual. In this aspect, Yoga is an art.

When implemented correctly, with proper development and control of the life force, Shanti Yoga practices can heal disease and increase longevity. The incorruptible body is achieved with ‘Yoga as Therapy’ – Shanti Yoga syllabus in further study.

Shanti Yoga is instant Yoga. It meets you right where you are : with the desire, but not quite the ability. It includes ‘warm ups’, ‘fix-its’ (emotional trauma is not just held in our hearts and minds but also in our bodies) and the ‘resting poses’. Regular Shanti ‘pre-Yoga’ practice helps prepare the body for the traditional, more difficult Yoga poses.

Immediately you will find that you feel better both physically and spiritually. Whilst the program in Shanti Yoga is physically challenging, it can be done by the average person. The Shanti Yoga sense of well-being is both physical and emotional. Different from the ‘endorphin high’, it’s about mastery of your world, being stronger both physically and mentally, and more flexible in body and our attitudes.