Embodied Yoga

At Embodied Yoga the focus is on the development of the whole person.

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Holistic yoga enables students to benefit on all levels of body, mind and spirit.

Yoga Styles

 

My experience and training in Yoga draws from several classical traditions from the Yogendra approach taught at The Yoga Institute in Mumbai to the teachings of Iyengar and Desikachar which I was exposed to during my Yoga teacher training.  My teaching therefore draws from all of these approaches with a focus on mindfulness and the practice of Yoga in daily life.  Embodied Yoga is about realizing the potential and qualities that are inherent within each of us.

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​Though there is a growing awareness these days about the different styles of Yoga and the broader benefits that can be gained by a more holistic approach, the emphasis on Hatha Yoga over the years has predominantly given the perception that Yoga is just another form of exercise.  Many people think of Yoga as a series of postures which are difficult and probably beyond their capabilities.  This perception can be very off-putting for some members of the community such as the middle aged, senior citizens, people with disabilities or even people who are not particularly “athletic” or flexible.  One often hears statements like “I’d be no good at doing Yoga because I’m not flexible” or “because I can’t cross my legs” or “I’m no good at balancing” or “I can’t stand on my head”.  This is unfortunate because in reality Yoga is so much more than physical postures.

 

In fact, Yoga can be practised by anyone.  Yoga in its true form is more about improving one’s overall physical and mental well-being through practices that bring about greater self-awareness.  This is achieved by practising techniques other than asanas that help improve physical health, a quieter, calmer state of mind, a state of balance.  Practising extreme postures might prove to be of no value to someone who is physical unwell or emotionally out of balance. 

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Classical Yoga

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​Although the more strenuous postures are often promoted, the benefits of a gentler approach involving stretching, breathing and relaxation techniques should not be discounted.  Yoga postures, practised with mindfulness, incorporating the breath and combined with physical and mental relaxation techniques, can provide immense benefits to one’s well-being. 

 

Yoga is not and was never meant to be a competitive pursuit – it is more about accepting oneself and one’s limitations at a particular point in time, moving forward and improving through incremental steps.  Unfortunately today it is often practised with an attitude of competition and comparing oneself with those around one.

 

​At Embodied Yoga the focus is on teaching students techniques that are comfortable and within each individual’s capacity, with mindfulness - a practical approach to bring about positive results.  It would be counter-productive to teach the headstand to someone with neck problems!  The aim is to improve one’s health not to create further problems and/or injuries. 

 

The small classes of 6 to 8 students ensures that each member receives the necessary attention.