Yoga is a living tradition of thought, practise & culture. It is more than an intellectual search of truth in that it can be perceived and interpreted by us individually as we explore this ancient practise. 

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For many beginners a yoga class is simply a form of physical exercise. Even so, it can be experienced as relaxing or energising, physically demanding or restorative depending on the style of the class. The common thread is that regular guidance or cues from a teacher will help a student to maintain focus and interest in the class until such time that the student begins to seek out mindful experiences for themselves within this multi layered practise. 

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These Yogic layers (limbs) amongst other things usually consist of Action (Asana or yoga poses), Breathing practises to calm, cleanse, cool or stimulate (Pranayama), and Focus & Contemplation (meditation)   Because most of us are constantly multi tasking, our minds are often somewhere else. Yoga provides the opportunity to bring the mind back to the body and more importantly, the present moment. 

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Modern living keeps us on high adrenalin.  Our cortisol levels rise due to constant bombardment from media and technology, constant noise and over packed schedules.  Yoga offers us the potential to restore balance and harmony to the body’s systems inviting inner calm and peace.  

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There are many biological and scientifically proven benefits to Yoga but an often overlooked one is its creativity; for many including myself this manifests in how I can 'lose myself' whilst I practise - weaving simple or complex shapes and breath together results in a dance-like meditative flow.  Similarly, my yin practise allows a deep 'tuning inwards' whilst remaining static but for the movement of breath.  Both bring a delicious sense of time being suspended. True Zen.