What to expect during a Laya Yoga session?
A Laya yoga session begins with breathing techniques and movements, then hatha or yoga postures, chakra practices and the session ends in meditation listening to blissful music while resting comfortably in Shavasana. This sequence of starting with breathing techniques then body movement before meditation, reduces the racing thoughts of the mind and creates blissful inner peace.
Please contact Sharon for Laya Yoga session schedule in Carbonear and other locations. Follow on Facebook and Instagram for monthly schedule and weekly updates.
To learn more about Laya Yoga and answers to common questions, please scroll down.
What is yoga?
Yoga has been practiced for more than 5,000 years to unite mind, body, soul and spirit. The following is a non exhaustive list of the benefits of yoga: supports mental health and wellness, reduces stress and anxiety, improves mindfulness, aids in weight loss, increases strength and flexibility, protects from injury, encourages self reflection, promotes relaxation, improves digestion, boosts the immune system and improves the quality of sleep.
What is Laya Yoga?
Laya yoga is an ancient form of yoga that, in addition to above benefits, calms the nervous system and focuses on clearing the chakras to dissolve the ego and reduce fluctuations of the mind. Channelling the energy of kundalini, laya yoga is a means to raise your vibration and merge the individual self with your higher self and unity consciousness.
Laya yoga uses pranayama (breath techniques), kriyas (practices), asanas (hatha yoga postures), mudras (hand and body gestures), mantras (Sanskrit sounds or phrases) and bandhas (body locks). When laya yoga is practiced regularly you are more focused on your soul essence and better able to feel and be in the creativity of consciousness.
What are some common misconceptions about yoga?
- Yoga is for flexible people that can effortlessly form complex yoga poses
- Yoga is for women only
- Yoga is for slim, skinny or fit people only
- Yoga is not suitable for beginners; it would be too hard and I would be judged
- Yoga is not for older people, only young people move that way
- Yoga is only for vegans or vegetarians
- Yoga is a religion
- Yoga is not a good workout
The above misconceptions lead many to think “I can’t do yoga” However, there is so much more to yoga than just the physical postures. By practicing yoga, you improve your physical, emotional and mental health and just by practicing the postures to the best of your ability, your improving your personal best and becoming more flexible in the process. Once you release any concern for what others are able or unable to do, you feel and see the benefits and quickly realize you can do it!
There is another misconception, on the other end of the spectrum, for those who think they can attend an occasional yoga class and will automatically become happier and live better lives. Although yoga has many benefits including reducing stress, to maintain benefits requires practice and patience. Gradually taking steps to make positive lifestyle and mindset changes while maintaining a yoga practice that suits your needs and schedule is how you achieve lasting positive results. It is not a magic one time fix.
Yoga is not a religion, it is mindful movement and is beneficial for all ages, religious beliefs, body types, genders and flexible capabilities regardless of your diet. Take the first step. Attend a class see how it feels.
