Yoga
At BALANCE, we strive to provide our clients with the best possible experience and to help them on their journey to discovering the true meaning of yoga. Our certified teachers are experienced in a variety of styles of yoga and are passionate about helping others find their balance. Join us on this journey to discover the power and beauty of yoga.
Yoga is an ancient art of living that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation and relaxation techniques to bring balance and harmony to the body and mind. By practicing yoga regularly, you can experience improved physical health, mental clarity and emotional well-being. ​
By looking at the philosophy of yoga, the question 'what is yoga?' can be answered simply with the word union. Union of body, mind and soul. But also connection of all beings and life.
According to yogic philosophy our being can be divided in five layers:
- Physical
- Energy
- Lower mind (emotions and feelings)
- Higher mind (wisdom and intellect)
- Spiritual
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As a human being you are the core of the five layers, you experience them. It’s up to you to keep the layers healthy and balanced. The layers can be strengthened and eventually mastered (without any form of attachment).
The 5 Layers
Practices
In order to strengthen the five layers, there are particular practices to work on each layer. A common mistake is that yoga is just movement, a work out. But yoga is a combination of different practices. Movement (or posture) is actually one of the 8 practices (or limbs) of yoga:
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YAMA – Restraints, moral disciplines or moral vows.
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NIYAMA – Positive duties or observances.
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ASANA – Posture.
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PRANAYAMA – Breathing Techniques.
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PRATYAHARA – Sense withdrawal.
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DHARANA – Focused Concentration.
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DHYANA – Meditation.
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SAMADHI – Bliss or Enlightenment.
For a better understanding these practices can be summarized into a more simple version, which are:
- Values and norms
- Movement
- Diet
- Breath
- Meditation
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Our yoga classes are mostly focused on movement, breath and meditation. In yoga therapy there will be more space to spend time on the other, and more personal, practices. Depending on what your issues are, certain practices can be helpful.
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