Yoga courses
HATHA YOGA
THE WORD HATHA MEANS WILLFUL OR FORCEFUL. HATHA YOGA REFERS TO SET OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES (KNOWN AS ASANAS OR POSTURES) AND SEQUENCES OF ASANAS, DESIGNED TO ALIGN YOUR SKIN, MUSCLES AND BONES. THE POSTURES ARE ALSO DESIGNED TO OPEN THE MANY CHANNELS OF THE BODY -ESPECIALLY THE MAIN CHANNEL, THE SPINE- SO THAT ENERGY CAN FLOW FREELY.
A translation of Hatha is ha-"sun" and tha-"moon". This refers to balance. Feminine-masculine, hot-cool, sun-moon. The path of uniting opposites. In our physical bodies we develop a balance of strength and flexibility. We also learn to balance our effort and surrender in each pose. Bring your attention to your breath and be present in the unfolding of each moment. Hatha Yoga is a very powerful tool for self–transformation. Hatha Yoga classes are for everyone. Old, overweight, ijured or with pains you can join a Hatha Yoga class. Also indicated for newbies. The poses are gentle and the rhythm is slow. Relax your body relax your mind. /// ALL LEVELS ///
ASHTANGA YOGA
ASHTANGA YOGA IS A SYSTEM OF YOGA TRANSMITTED TO THE MODERN WORLD BY SRI K. PATTABHI JOIS (1915-2009). THIS METHOD OF YOGA INVOLVES SYNCHRONIZING THE BREATH WITH A PROGRESSIVE SERIES OF POSTURES-A PROCESS PRODUCING INTENSE INTERNAL HEAT AND A PROFUSE, PURIFYING SWEAT THAT DETOXIFIES MUSCLES AND ORGANS. THE RESULT IS IMPROVED CIRCULATION, A LIGHT AND STRONG BODY AND A CALM MIND.
Ashtanga literally means "eight limbed yoga", as outlined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. According to Patanjali, the path of internal purification for revealing the Universal Self consists of the following eight spiritual practices:
Yama (moral codes)
Niyama (self purification and study)
Asana (posture)
Pranayama (breath control)
Pratyahara (sense control)
Dharana (concentration)
Dyana (meditation)
Samadhi (absorption into the Universal)
To perform asana correctly in Ashtanga Yoga, one must incorporate the use of vinyasa and tristhana. Vinyasa means breathing and movement system (for each movement there is one breath).
The purpose of vinyasa is for internal cleansing ‘’ ("Ashtanga Yoga"). Synchronizing breathing and movement in the asanas heats the blood, cleaning and thinning it so that it may circulate more freely. Improved blood circulation relieves joint pain and removes toxins and disease from the internal organs. The sweat generated from the heat of vinyasa then curries the impurities out of the body. Through the use of vinyasa, the body becomes healthy, light and strong ("Ashtanga Yoga").
Tristhana refers to the union of three places of attention or action: posture, breathing system and looking place. These three are very important for yoga practice and cover three levels of purification: the body, nervous system and the mind. They are always performed in conjunction with each other ‘’ (“Ashtanga Yoga”).
POSTURE: The method for purifying and strengthening the body is called asana” (Pathabi Jois 2002)
BREATHING: The breathing technique performed with vinyasa is called ujjayi (victorious breath). Equal long inhale and exhale from the nose. Long and even breathing increases the internal fire and strengthens and purifies the nervous system. Bandhas are essential components of the ujjayi breath technique. Bandha means ”lock”. The purpose of bandha is to unlock pranic energy and direct it into the nadis (energy channels) of the subtle body.
LOOKING PLACE: Dristhi is the gazing point on which one focuses while performing the asanas.
PRENATAL YOGA
IF YOU’RE PREGNANT AND LOOKING A WAY TO RELAX AND STAY FIT THIS IS IT. PRENATAL YOGA CLASS. IT CAN BE ALSO A GREAT WAY TO PREPARE FOR CHILDBIRTH.
Prenatal Yoga is a multifaceted approach to exercise that encourages stretching, mental centering and focused breathing. Research suggests that prenatal Yoga is safe and can have many benefits for pregnant women and their babies. Some of the benefits are:
- Improved sleep Less stress and anxiety
- More strength, flexibility, and endurance of muscles needed for childbirth
- Less lower back pain, nausea, carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, headaches
- Also in a Prenatal Yoga class you can meet other pregnant women and prepare for the stress of being a new parent.
A Prenatal class in Samos Yoga Shala involves:
BREATHING: You ‘ll be encouraged to focus on breathing in and out slowly and deeply. Prenatal yoga breathing techniques might help you manage shotness of breath during pregnancy and work through contractions during labor.
GENTLE STRETCHING: You‘ ll be encouraged to gently move different areas of your body through their full range of motion.
POSTURES: Standing, sitting or lying on the ground you will gently move your body into different positions aimed at developing your strength, flexibility and balance. Props -such as blankets, belts, cushions- might be used to provide support and comfort.
RELAXATION: At the end of prenatal yoga class you will relax lying down for ten minutes. You might be encouraged to listen your breath, pay close attentions to sensations, thoughts and emotions.
TIPS FOR COOKING: during pregnancy and healthy recipes. At the end of each class we drink a tea and give ideas for healthy cooking and more...
VINYASA FLOW YOGA
IN VINYASA FLOW YOGA MOVEMENT IS SYNCHRONIZED TO BREATH. SOMETIMES WE ALSO CALL IT FLOW YOGA BECAUSE POSES RUN SO SMOOTH ALMOST LIKE DANCING. INHALE MOVEMENT-EXHALE MOVEMENT. IN THIS CLASS YOU WILL FIND A LOT OF VARIETY BUT ALWAYS …SUN SALUTATIONS.
Some warm up stretches and pranayama at the beginning. Sometimes slower sometimes faster rhythm. You can expect movement, inversions, standing postures, advanced postures all in a flow feeling. It is an alignment-oriented enough class with a good music playing. /// ADVANCED LEVELS ///
Children Yoga - Om Kids.
This class is for kids 5-12 years old. Once a week for an hour we practice yoga with fun. A programme based to Montessori education system. Asanas (postures), drawing, dancing, drama exercise are some of the things kids do during an "Om Kid" class. A full hour that exercise, energize, empower, relax and nurture the development of the WHOLE child.
On children…
Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And through they are with you yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
Which you cannot visit not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, But seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
The Archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
And He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
So He loves also the bow that is stable.
‘Prophet’ Kahlil Gibran
