What is Yoga?
There are as many definitions of yoga as there are people practicing it!Â
We all find in yoga, through the stages of our lives, something that suits us, that makes this amazing practice work for us.
One way to define yoga is to look at it through the scope of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
The 8 Limbs of Yoga
In his 196 aphorisms, the Indian sage Patanjali defines a system, Ashtanga Yoga, based on 8 “blocks” that act as guidelines on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life, and eventually attain spiritual liberation and empowerment – Samadhi.
Think of the following diagram as a pyramid, each of the building blocks helping to support us along the pathway to achieving attainment of Samadhi.
8 • SAMADHI
State of being at one with the Universe.
6 • DHARANA
One-pointed attention.
7 • DHYANA
3 • ASANA
4 • PRANAYAMA
Prana: breath/life force +
Ayama: extension
= Master breath & extend life
5 • PRATYAHARA
Some say the real work starts here 🙂
1 • YAMA
Ahimsa: non violence
Satya: truthfulness
Asteya: non stealing
Brahmacharya: right use of energy
Aparigraha: non greed, non attachment
2 • NIYAMA
Saucha: cleanliness
Santosha: contentment
Tapas: discipline
Svadhyaya: self-study, study of spiritual texts
Ishvarapranidaha: surrender to higher power
8 • SAMADHI
State of being at one with the Universe.
6 • DHARANA
One-pointed attention.
7 • DHYANA
5 • PRATYAHARA
Some say the real work starts here 🙂
3 • ASANA
4 • PRANAYAMA
Prana: breath/life force +
Ayama: extension
= Master breath & extend life
1 • YAMA
Ahimsa: non violence
Satya: truthfulness
Asteya: non stealing
Brahmacharya: right use of energy
Aparigraha: non greed, non attachment
2 • NIYAMA
Saucha: cleanliness
Santosha: contentment
Tapas: discipline
Svadhyaya: self-study, study of spiritual texts
Ishvarapranidaha: surrender to higher power
On the mat, through the physical practice of postures, yoga teaches us body and breath awareness. Our balance, strength and endurance is challenged and refined.Â
Yoga invites us to let go of any prior expectations, and observe what is and what isn’t, without any judgement.
This practice, both physical and mental, teaches us resilience, and allows us to apply these valuable lessons beyond our mat, into our daily life.
Yoga as a way of life.
At Honu Yoga we are committed to bringing you every aspect of yoga, ranging from a public class, or from a corporate or private session. Through the practice of physical postures, breathing exercises and mediation techniques, our aim is to help you attain a comprehensive range of benefits including awareness and control of the physical body, aspects of the mind, breath, creativity and performance.
Corporate Yoga
The corporate world is no stranger to Chris that spent more than 10 years “on the grind”. Back to back meetings, deadlines, KPI’s, site visits, red eye flights, early starts, late night meetings, quick lunch at the desk…
As exhilarating as this can be, over time a certain sense of disconnection with oneself can appear.
Building Resilience
Your company’s greatest assets are your employees.
High performing companies are made of high performing employees.
The practice of yoga and meditation in the workplace encourages employees to reconnect with themselves, using movement and breath.
Yoga helps to build resilience which means that employees:
- Are fulfilled and focused
- Have less negative stress
- Have increased energy
- Are mindful of their emotions and needs
- Think outside of the box and generate opportunity and optimism in times of pressure or crisis
- Embrace new challenges and opportunities
We collaborate with you and design programs to master stress, thrive in change and enhance wellbeing and performance.
We are here for you, contact us to receive our corporate brochure.
Corporate Yoga
The corporate world is no stranger to Chris that spent more than 10 years “on the grind”. Back to back meetings, deadlines, KPI’s, site visits, red eye flights, early starts, late night meetings, quick lunch at the desk…
As exhilarating as this can be, over time a certain sense of disconnection with oneself can appear.
Building Resilience
Your company’s greatest assets are your employees.
High performing companies are made of high performing employees.
The practice of yoga and meditation in the workplace encourages employees to reconnect with themselves, using movement and breath.
Yoga helps to build resilience which means that employees:
- Are fulfilled and focused
- Have less negative stress
- Have increased energy
- Are mindful of their emotions and needs
- Think outside of the box and generate opportunity and optimism in times of pressure or crisis
- Embrace new challenges and opportunities
We collaborate with you and design programs to master stress, thrive in change and enhance wellbeing and performance.
We are here for you, contact us to receive our corporate brochure.
Private Yoga
Compared to the public setting of most yoga classes, private sessions allow you to:
- Learn the foundations: if you are new to yoga, this will give you the foundations to join public classes with confidence and ease.
- Progress your practice by working on specific poses, sequences or techniques. We will help you to build a roadmap to achieving the desired goals and advance your personal practice.
- Tailor the practice to your needs, perfect if you are restricted with time, or have an injury or illness.
- Have a more intimate environment, where the focus is solely on you, your requirements/abilities and your practice.
Special occasions
We are available for wellness retreats, workshops and special events.
Whether it is to conduct yoga and meditation sessions during a retreat, or run workshops at a yoga studio, or facilitate a fun yoga class during a hens and bucks party, we can help you make the occasion special and unique!!
For any questions and information, please reach out to us.
The gift of Yoga
Gift vouchers are available for private yoga lessons!!
A wonderful idea for mothers or fathers day, birthdays, etc
Simply get in touch with us on the contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
From our conversations with a lot of students over the years, what is clear is that yoga has some level of expectations and beliefs attached to it.
The following – non exhaustive – list tries to answer some of the most common questions that you might have.
In doubt, please do reach out!
YES, ABSOLUTELY!
This is probably the number one thing that we as teachers hear, and as students that you probably have said or heard when talking about yoga.
As one of my teacher would say: "the only inflexibility that could stop you from practicing yoga is the one from your mind" 😉
A common myth is that yoga cures lower back pains. What yoga can do is make your core stronger, which can then help you alleviate some lower back pain, should the root cause of that pain be insufficient core engagement.
Before practicing any kind of yoga - or physical activity - please ensure that your GP or Specialist clears you for that specific activity.
Not all styles of yoga are the same and certain movements might be allowed or contraindicated.
It is important to have a discussion with us beforehand to let us know about any injuries or illnesses.
Unless it has been specifically contraindicated by your GP, the practice of yoga is safe for expecting mothers - with some specific precautions.
Your main teacher Chris is certified in prenatal yoga.
Always let us know in advance if that is the case, and your teacher will be able to help adjust the practice accordingly.
Some yoga is better than no yoga! One practice per week is already making a difference.
Having said that, it is said that 3 to 4 balanced practices per week offer students the most benefits both physically and mentally.
No! Pain is never a good thing.
The very first principle of yoga is non-violence (ahimsa), to others, and also to ourselves.
Yoga teaches us to listen to our body and identify the difference between pain and discomfort.
We ought to practice in a compassionate way.
The biggest step in starting your yoga practice is to make that initial decision, so congratulations!
The following points are things that you might want to consider:
- Get cleared by your GP if you have any doubt. There is a physical component in yoga and injuries are never a good thing.
- If you can, invest in a good yoga mat, it will make your experience a lot nicer. If unsure, ask us and we can recommend mats that we love!
- Props are worth investing in - see the point below for details.
- Keep at it! It is called a practice because you need to keep practicing it. But do it in a mindful and compassionate manner: listen to your body and take rests when needed!
- Have fun! Yes, yoga is fun and exciting!
At Honu Yoga we love props!
Common props are: blocks, bolsters (cushion type), straps and blankets.
For more active practices, a block and a strap are a great addition. For yin/restorative practices two blocks are usually recommended along with a bolster, and a strap.
Props help you to create and hold space and your body while practicing. There are no rules though, do what feels right!
When props are not available though there are many ways to adjust the practice to make it accessible to all and we can help you with that!
Every Honu Yoga's teacher is fully insured and covered for:
- Professional indemnity
- Public Liability
Honu Yoga's teachers also possess their First Aid and CPR certificate.
You are in good hands.