What is yoga?
There are various interpretations of the meaning of the word yoga. The Indian sage Patanjali is believed to have collated the practice of yoga into the Yoga Sutra; a philosophical guidebook for most of the yoga that is practiced today. It outlines eight limbs of yoga: the yamas (restraints), niyamas (observances), asana (postures), pranayama (breathing), pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), dharana (concentration), dhyani (meditation), and samadhi (absorption).
As yoga students we explore these eight limbs beginning the journey home to ourselves first through observing our behaviours and thought patterns, refining the condition of our physical body and connecting to our life-force energy, the breath. Once this purification of body and mind is achieved, the ultimate goal becomes to turn inward and focus on liberation through enlightenment.
Most students are drawn to yoga for what it offers us physically, through postural practices (asana) we are able to stretch, strengthen and find freedom in our bodies and our movements. A regular asana practice is designed to provide the physical strength and stamina required for long periods of meditation and supports our overall physical, energetic and mental health.
What we practice
A blend of vinyasa flow and restorative yoga.
Where we practice
Most public classes (with the exception of Children’s Yoga and monthly workshops) are set in the main hall of the Dundee United Reformed Church, close to the centre of Ramsbottom.
What you need with you
Comfortable clothes that you can move freely in.
A yoga mat if you have one. We have spares at the venue but as class sizes vary each week the only way to guarantee a mat for yourself is either by booking in advance or bringing your own along.
A blanket for relaxation.