What is Satyananda Yoga
Referred to the yoga of the head, heart and hands, Satyananda yoga aims to bring the body, mind and spirit together as a whole. It is an integrative approach to yoga that incorporates the techniques of many other forms of yoga to ensure a sense of wholeness and completeness in the student.
The yoga practices Satyananda adopts it techniques from include:
- Hatha yoga
- Raja yoga
- Karma yoga
- Jnana yoga
- Bhakti yoga
The Satanyanda Yoga Experience
Satyananda classes incorporate the traditional yoga techniques that incorporate the body, mind and spirit to allow for an experience of oneness. These techniques include:
- Asanas – physical poses
- Aspranayama - breath work
- Yoga Nidra – a tantric, lying-down meditation
- Meditation – focused on body, breath and sound awareness.
Unlike the Iyengar and Asthanga yoga, Satyananda places its focus on the inner aspects of our being rather and carries less of an emphasis on the Asanas (poses). Feelings of deep relaxation are often felt initially in the class, followed by a slow calming of the physical, mental and emotional body. Through the Asanas, muscular and emotional tensions are released from the body, and overall body awareness is increased.
Satyananda Yoga is for Everyone
Satyananda is the ideal choice of yoga for anyone and everyone. It incorporates traditional yogic practices that apply to modern day life, and does not support any particular religious or political beliefs. It is suitable for anyone to practice, no matter his or her race, age, sex, social background or level of fitness.
Satyananda is also a flexible form of yoga. It may be practiced by anyone at any level as it may tailored according to the persons ability and needs. Students are able to go at their own pace, and often find it easier in comparison to other forms of yoga as there is less of a physical focus and more placed on the ability to concentrate on a single point of focus.
Other Benefits of Satyananda Yoga
Both the body and mind benefit from the practice of Satyananda yoga.
Some of these benefits include:
- Increased mental awareness – one becomes more aware of their thought patterns as the conditioning of the mind unravels in the practice. This allows one to work towards higher personal potential and step outside the usual ‘reaction mode’ that many of us know well.
- Increased body awareness
- A deepened sense of awareness of the world around you
- Increased interdependence between the body, mind and spirit.
- Improved ability to cope with stressful situations
- Relaxation techniques.
- Increased positivity and self-esteem.
- Pain relief
- Increased flexibility and muscle strength.
- Improved circulation, respiration, energy levels and overall vitality.
Getting Started
Satyananda classes are run Australia-wide in private studios, public halls, workplaces, schools, retirement villages, prisons and out of town retreats. Most offer beginners and intermediate classes and may offer yoga expertise for groups such as pre-natal, children, the elderly and corporates, and may be able to assist those suffering from health problems. Make sure your selected Satyananda yoga teacher is trained to suit your needs, and is accredited and affiliated through the Satyananda yoga academy.
Originally published on Apr 08, 2010
