Yoga is the cessation of mental fluctuations. Then, the seer dwells in his own true splendour." (Patanjali, Yoga Sutra I.2.3.)
advice for YOUR practice
BEFORE A LESSON
In case of injury or illness, for example: glaucoma, hernia, joint problems, operation, heart problem, low or high blood pressure, cancer, etc. ask your doctor if yoga is appropriate for your condition and inform your teacher before the class.
Allow one hour before practicing after a light meal and two hours after a normal meal.
Arrive at class in advance and settle down quietly in an appropriate posture to surrender and concentrate.
Allow one hour before practicing after a light meal and two hours after a normal meal.
Arrive at class in advance and settle down quietly in an appropriate posture to surrender and concentrate.
FOR THE WOMEN
Inform your teacher if you are pregnant.
Inform your teacher if you have your menstruations. If so, do not get tired. Do not jump between standing poses and keep feet hip-width apart. Do not do inversions, nor closed twists. Do not compress the abdomen. Do forward bends supporting your head. Your teacher will indicate appropriate poses to replace those to be avoided.
Inform your teacher if you have your menstruations. If so, do not get tired. Do not jump between standing poses and keep feet hip-width apart. Do not do inversions, nor closed twists. Do not compress the abdomen. Do forward bends supporting your head. Your teacher will indicate appropriate poses to replace those to be avoided.
to improve
As in any activity, regular practice (Tapas) is highly recommended as a regular and appropriate effort will be fruitful and will anchor results, whereas, occasional practice will inevitably leed to withdrawal. This is why one should commit to attend at least 1 course a week or possibly more.
Personal practice is encouraged, possibly daily, even 10 minutes a day. The hardest part is to get started on your mat… Morning after getting up is the best time, however, it is not always possible. Find the best moment for you in the day. Do not feel guilty if you are not regular but observe mental fluctuations (Svadhyaya). Contemplate life with equanimity (Upeksa) and do not let go. Tomorrow is another day.
Organise a clean and quiet place with your mat and props at hand. Do not practice for long in the sun.
Reading philosophical texts in the morning and/or before sleep (even just a few minutes) will put you in a positive mindset.
To generate good energy (Satva), observe the effects of your eating habits.Your food should be of good quality and fresh. Industrial products, exciting drinks and meet should be avoided or reduced to a minimum. Quantities should be appropriate. Take your meals as much as possible in silence, without distraction. Stop eating before you are full. By increasingly refining your awareness, harmful habits (too much Rajas and Tamas) will be avoided and beneficial ones adopted.
To generate good energy, sleep regularly and appropriate hours (duration varies from one individual to another). A light meal early in the evening will favour good quality sleep.
Our senses are excited by everything that sourrounds us: images, noise, sound, odours, sourroundings, discussions, media,…. Stimulations of the senses imprint the mind and each cell of the body. As awareness refines, whenever possible, the yogi will avoid harmful and priviledge beneficial inputs which favour peace of mind.
Personal practice is encouraged, possibly daily, even 10 minutes a day. The hardest part is to get started on your mat… Morning after getting up is the best time, however, it is not always possible. Find the best moment for you in the day. Do not feel guilty if you are not regular but observe mental fluctuations (Svadhyaya). Contemplate life with equanimity (Upeksa) and do not let go. Tomorrow is another day.
Organise a clean and quiet place with your mat and props at hand. Do not practice for long in the sun.
Reading philosophical texts in the morning and/or before sleep (even just a few minutes) will put you in a positive mindset.
To generate good energy (Satva), observe the effects of your eating habits.Your food should be of good quality and fresh. Industrial products, exciting drinks and meet should be avoided or reduced to a minimum. Quantities should be appropriate. Take your meals as much as possible in silence, without distraction. Stop eating before you are full. By increasingly refining your awareness, harmful habits (too much Rajas and Tamas) will be avoided and beneficial ones adopted.
To generate good energy, sleep regularly and appropriate hours (duration varies from one individual to another). A light meal early in the evening will favour good quality sleep.
Our senses are excited by everything that sourrounds us: images, noise, sound, odours, sourroundings, discussions, media,…. Stimulations of the senses imprint the mind and each cell of the body. As awareness refines, whenever possible, the yogi will avoid harmful and priviledge beneficial inputs which favour peace of mind.
