Learn the History, Philosophy & teachings of Yoga
Despite what we are shown online, Yoga, an ancient practice, is not a contemporary exercise trend. Nevertheless, it is commendable that a comprehensive approach and ethos are being embraced by numerous individuals in the western world. If your Yoga routine resembles more of a workout session, it could be due to a lack of fully embracing the entirety of Yoga and its intended holistic system. We would highly reccommend starting to investigate the following topics to help you develop an understanding of the Yogic path and lifestyle.
Where to start? Read up on the 8 Limbs of Yoga or take our free INTRO to Yoga course.
Find knowledgeable and authentic teachers
Teachers who are deeply rooted in authentic and traditional practices will live out Yoga in their daily lives. Look for instructors and classes that exude authenticity and go beyond just physical exercise. These teachers may incorporate Pranayama, meditation, and philosophical concepts into their sessions, igniting curiosity and enriching your Yoga experience.
Once you've identified your genuine teachers, engage with them by asking questions and delving into the profound aspects of Yoga. Explore whether they provide courses, blogs, articles, or recommend books!
Endeavour to study yourself and be committed to self development and self mastery
Strive to gain a genuine understanding of yourself. Embracing the impacts of practices like Pranayama (breathwork), reflecting on thoughts and recurring messages during meditation, and confronting challenges on the mat while learning how to manage and interpret them are essential components of a more profound and meaningful practice. Let these experiences guide you and enhance your conscious awareness; comprehend what motivates you and what unsettles you. This embodies authentic Yoga, establishing a connection with your inner self - instead of merely going through the motions, genuinely aim to explore and comprehend yourself. Once we can observe ourselves without judgment, we are then able to see the world without any bias or colouring.
Explore your Yoga practice
Yoga encompasses a diverse range of practices with numerous variations. Throughout history, various sages, Gurus, and instructors have created different systems and methodologies that differ in techniques, intensity, and philosophy. It can be challenging to find the most suitable one for you. However, being open to evolving your practice as you navigate life's stages will eventually lead you to the aspects of Yoga that resonate with you. Exploring alternative approaches is always beneficial, even if you discover that a particular method is not your preference. It is recommended to try out various class formats beyond just the physical aspect (Asana) of Yoga.
Physical practices:
Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Kundalini, Tantra, Iyengar, Nidra, Restorative and Ashtanga are amongst some of the most well practice types of Yoga in the world.
Other forms:
Meditation, Pranayama, Jyana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Kirtan, Kriya, Mindfulness, self study.
You may be able to find niche workshops & events which encompass some of the above practices.
Consider studying Yoga more seriously
Today, there are numerous options available for learning Yoga, such as through books, YouTube, online courses, and in-person classes. Creating room for this practice may vary depending on the stage of life you are in. A highly beneficial approach to fully engage in Yoga is by enrolling in a Yoga Teacher Training program. This intensive experience typically lasts 3-4 weeks and involves studying various subjects daily. During this time, you will delve into the intricacies of posture alignment, gain insights into the functioning of the body, have the opportunity to deepen your practice extensively, and absorb and integrate philosophical teachings.
You can join us in Sri Lanka for 21 days of discovery!
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