The word yoga means "union" in Sanskrit, the language of ancient India where yoga originated. We can think of the union occurring between the mind, body and spirit.
Hatha Yoga is perhaps the path of Yoga you are most familiar with since this is the most popular branch of Yoga in the West. This branch of Yoga uses physical poses (asana) breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation to achieve physical and mental wellbeing. There are many styles within yoga, Ashtanga and Seasonal Flow being the ones taught by Jo.

Who can practice it? The answer is anyone, of any age, provided you are physically well, from the more serious yoga student seeking spiritual enlightenment, to the once a week student who wants to feel physically and mentally better. Most of all in a world where we have many demands it’s all about spending time with you!

Ashtanga

So what is Ashtanga? Ashtanga Vinyasa style yoga is a dynamic form of yoga that focuses on posture (asana), breathing (vinyasa) and focus (dristhi or gaze point). The practice moves through a systematic sequence of postures, co-ordinating breath with movement and forming a moving meditation that helps to purify the body, nervous system and mind.

Regular practice builds up strength and stamina, improves posture, cleanses the body of toxins, improves circulation, and lets the energy (prana) run efficiently throughout the body. The regular deep breathing required for the practice, calms the mind and the nervous system. The focus required lets us forget the mental chatter we all suffer from.

The practice is suitable for everyone who is healthy and fancies a wee bit of a challenge and postures can be modified to suit all levels of flexibility.

For more information on Ashtanga visit: http://www.ayri.org/

Seasonal Yoga Flow

Yoga Flow is when asana are put into a rythmic sequence or 'flow' of positions one after the other and is typically done to music. Seasonal Yoga flow targets particular areas and organs of the body relevant to the season we are in and based upon the energy of that Season. Typically the flow will change from week to week but will focus on certain asana suitable for that season for a number of weeks. Seasonal flow is suitable for everyone who is healthy and postures can be modified to suit all levels of flexibility.