Integral Yoga
For me, yoga is a holistic training for the body and at the same time a spiritual practice, a precious ritual in which I can practise acceptance and letting go (on a physical and mental level).
In accordance with the Integral Yoga of Sri Aurobindo, in my classes I intend to create an atmosphere which allows each participant to become more aware of their bodies and themselves, in order to follow their own path. Therefore, I work with methods of Hatha Yoga (see below), which I learned in the frame of my yoga teacher training and many other courses (in Austria and India) and which I use in my own daily practice. I enjoy working with mixed level groups and I offer different variations of the physical exercises in order to support each participant as much as possible.
Asanas
In these physical exercises the two principles of “Stiram” (persistency) and “Sukham” (effortlessness) are united. Thanks to these two principles the body becomes trained and strengthened while an attentive intention of letting go manifests within the mind. It is not about forcing oneself into positions with a lot of effort or exhaustion, it is about letting go of any desired outcomes and becoming aware of one’s own limitations in an attentive and gentle way. With this intention, any change and extension of our limitations can occur naturally, without any pressure.
Through practising Asanas our muscles are stretched and strengthened. Our entire cardiovascular system is activated and our nervous system and hormones are harmonised. Asanas activate our metabolism and digestion. They improve our concentration, sense of balance and fine motor skills.
Pranayamas
Prana (energy, essence of life) can be taken in in various ways, such as through the food we eat, however most of our Prana is absorbed through the air we breath. Through the conscious breathing practice of Pranayamas, our Nadis (energy channels) are cleansed and blockages are relieved, which helps us to receive and store more Prana. This has an obvious positive effect on our state of health and mind. The deepening and slowing down of the breath increases the capacity of our lungs and has a calming effect on our entire system, and we subsequently experience less stress in our lives.
Meditation & Relaxation
There are short periods of relaxation during the class and one long relaxation (Savasana, deep relaxation) at the end of the class, in order to let the effect of the Asanas unfold and help the system to integrate all of the input. Relaxation has a regenerative effect, it improves our immune system and reduces stress hormones.