What is Yoga, after all?
This is a big question, and there is more than one answer to it. Each of us can find their own answers, their own benefits in Yoga.
Yoga is much more than a workout, more than a practice –
It is a kind of lifestyle. It is about being kind to the people around you, kind to yourself, to nature, to everything that surrounds you.
The word Yoga comes from Sanskrit and means unity. A unity between body, mind, and soul.
Vinyasa Flow
Vinyasa Yoga is dynamic style of Yoga, that combines Yoga Asanas with the breath. During a Vinyasa class you flow through the movements, holding them mostly for short amounts of time. You develop a moving meditation, only focusing on your breath and movement. Vinyasa Yoga can be physically demanding, strenghtening endurance and muscles. But there are also options for slow, gentle flows. Vinyasa Yoga can be very creative, as there are not many rules to the sequencing.
Ashtanga
Ashtanga Yoga is a strict, physically demanding Yoga practice. It is mostly practiced mysore style, without a teacher leading the class. Students know the sequence and practice in their own speed, the teacher walks around and assists. Ujjayi breath is applied through the practice to deepen the breathing and cleansing the throat (amongst other reasons). The sequence is fix and always the same. There are six Ashtanga series in total, most people practice the primary series.
Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga is a calm Yoga style, mostly practiced on the ground that focuses on the deep connective tissues. In a Yin sequence you try to relax your muscles and hold the postures for a long time. It is a good counterbalance for those practicing dynamic Yoga styles. Yin Yoga allows you to focus on yourself and observe the effects of holding an Asana for a long time. The breath can flow freely. At first it can be an uncomfortable practice, but after a while most Yogis grow to love it.
Yoga has its origins in India and has gained in popularity in the west in the 20th century.
Generally when we hear Yoga, we think about the Asana (physical) Practice. But this is only one of the many limbs of Yoga.
Find out more about what Yoga entails.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga by Patanjali
1. Yamas (ethical standards) – For example speaking the truth, no harm towards anybody/anything
2. Niyamas (personal standards) – For example being modest, reflecting, looking after yourself
3. Asana (physical practice)
4. Pranayama (breathing control and techniques)
5. Pratyahara (drawing your attention inwards)
6. Darhana (Focus and concetration)
7. Dhyana (Meditation)
8. Samadhi (final stage, enlightenment)