Yoga
My most recent inspiration comes from the ascent intensive with Sharon Gannon of
the jivamukti ( www.jivamuktiyoga.com) yoga system. One of the most dynamic
and inspiring people I have come in contact with. A real spirit of devotion
is the theme in all yoga practice. Many thanks to the universe for this
experience and drive to keep moving forward.
I have been trained in Hatha and Power yoga, completing a 200 hour
yoga teachers training course with Rhonda Fogul and Grant Couture
at the Wandering
Yogi Studio in 2003. I also acquired another yoga teachers training
with Trinity
Yoga and have been trained in a dynamic style of yoga similar
to a strong Hatha flow or Power yoga taught by Mary-Jo
Fetterly and Jennifer
Steed.
Hatha yoga is better known in the West because
of its earlier introduction. This yoga system involves thousands
of postures enabling many positive changes in the body and subsequently
in the mind. In each class, the instructor may choose a variety
of postures or have a theme of postures that focus on certain areas
of the body.
The Ashtanga yoga system has been derived from
the teachings of Sri K. Pattabhhi Jois. This yoga has a sequence
of postures in a certain order to balance and counteract every movement.
This method utilizes every muscle and joint of the body in a safe
and effective manner.
Hatha and Ashtanga yoga techniques have many benefits. They increase
the circulation of the blood and lymphatic systems and promote relaxation
and well-being. The practice of yoga releases toxins from the skin
and muscles. It also strengthens and tones the body while increasing
flexibility.
What does Yoga mean to Me?
Yoga is a life style expanding my truth, unfolding my innocence
and innate
purity. It is a tool to release my judgments of others and myself
encouraging compassion and love. It is the embodyment of softening
my gaze, unclenching my fists and trusting that I am safe, that
I am not alone, that I don't have to defend the fact that I am alive.
Yoga is allowing a space for nurturing and safety from my separated
intellect (Ahimsa: non violence to other and oneself). It means
inspiration tickling my intellect, softening my heart and clearing
my vessel.
It is the equality of me and you, rich and poor, black and white,
all the
same source looking and searching for the same goal. It is the bridge
between all things that pertain in my life. My hope is yoga will
be my intoxication, my high and my drunkenness.
Natasha
July 27, 2004
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