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What
is Yoga? |
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Yoga means
’union’ or ‘yoke’. Yoga aims to link the body, the mind and the breath
together bringing the different bodily functions into a perfect
co-ordination. Valerie teaches Hatha yoga. This is the most widely practised
system of yoga in the western world today. |
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About
Yoga |
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In his Yoga
Sutras, the sage Patanjali codified the first definitive system of the
science known at the eightfold path. Click here for more
information on the eightfold
path On a
practical level, yoga presents a way of harmonising the body, the mind and
the emotions. |
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A
typical class. |
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All classes
are suitable for beginners. A typical class starts and ends in stillness. Deep
breathing leads to warm -ups, relaxing and stress releasing practices,
stretches and postures (asana). Breathing sequences (pranayama) expand the
body’s energy levels, re-establishing the relaxed rhythms of the whole
system. The relaxation response (yoga nidra) provides a preparation for the
techniques which lead to meditation. |
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Benefits
of yoga. |
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On a physical
level practices stimulate and tone the body developing strength and
flexibility. Internal organs are massaged; the lungs are strengthened.
Circulation is increased removing energy blocks, creating vitality with
equilibrium. The cooling down process creates calm and tranquillity in body
and mind. |
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Who
can practice yoga? |
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The cornerstone
of yoga is the natural breath. Therefore it is open to all. Whether in a
wheelchair or upwardly mobile, not one of us is perfect for we all have
problems in our body. Such is the rich variety of movements and postures in
yoga they can all be modified for the individual. No one need be excluded. Within the
scope of yoga there are classes for the fit, for the injured or elderly, for
beginners who want to relax or those seeking fitness and stamina. However it
is focus and reflection that brings us back to self- through relaxation or meditation- to that still, calm centre, deep
inside. It all lies in the secret of the breath. Yes, yoga works! |
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About
Valerie. |
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Valerie has
practiced yoga for most of her adult life. Following a high school teaching
career, Valerie undertook a Yoga Teacher Training Course (IYTA) and
subsequently a Remedial Training Course (Yoga for Health Valerie has
worked with people in wheel chairs, prison inmates, breast-operated women and
also with many other groups and individuals with special needs.
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Practical
Details |
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Class details
are below. Please bring a yoga mat or large towel, a rug & a sense of
humour. It is advisable
not to eat before exercising. |
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Where
are Valerie’s classes? |
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Monday 9.30 - 11.00am Upper Brookfiled Community Hall,
Upper 6.10 - 7.25pm Walk down L. ramp, diagonally
across quad and large undercover area to lower level B Block music room |
Tuesday 9.30 - 11.00am Pullenvale Hall Pullenvale Beginners 7.15 - 8.30pm Pullenvale Hall Pullenvale |
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Wednesday 6.30 – 7.45pm The Anglican Church of |
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Links |
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HARI