A typical Satyananda Yoga Class with Caoimhe

A typical class is one and a half hours long and includes asana, pranayama, meditation and/or yoga nidra (relaxation). The class may also include chanting or some aspect of yoga philosophy. The emphasis in the class, no matter what the level, will be on awareness rather than on pushing the body into poses that it may not be ready for. The breath will also be a focus for awareness throughout the class, ie observing the breath and linking the breath with movement.

More often than not, class will start with a short period lying down or sitting to settle both body and mind, and help students make the transition from their busy life to a time in the week when they can focus their awareness inwards. This is followed by some warm up exercises and then asanas. Towards the end of the class time is given over to pranayama practices followed by either yoga nidra or meditation.

Asana

These are yoga poses. They are taught in a relaxed and non-competitive environment with an emphasis on going within and learning to listen to the body. Students are encouraged to progress at their own pace and as their experience deepens, more complex and challenging practices are gradually introduced. The regular practice of asana helps to relieve muscular tension, improve health and flexibility, build strength and harmonize all body systems.

Pranayama

The breath is the most vital process of the body. It influences the activity of each and every cell in our body and is intimately linked with the brain. Pranayama practices help to correct bad breathing habits, focus one’s awareness and establish proper breathing patterns leading to a calm state of mind. Pranayama assists the process of relaxation, concentration and inner peace.

Meditation

Throughout each day our minds are almost continually externalized and as a result we have little understanding of the events going on in our inner environment. By practicing meditation you can develop self awareness and begin to understand and know the workings of the mind and the methods of bringing it under control.

Yoga Nidra

This is a progressive and systematic form of deep relaxation devised specifically for the modern world by Swami Satyananda. It is a method of relaxing by creating one-pointedness of mind. In Yoga Nidra the links with the physical senses are withdrawn, thereby rejuvenating and reviving the physical, mental and emotional personality. It is one of the most powerful means for inducing deep relaxation in a relatively short period of time. Yoga Nidra is taught at the end of a class, with students lying in shavasana and covered by a blanket. It lasts for 20 - 30 minutes