Yoga

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Yoga awakens us to discover or rediscover who we really are and what life is all about. It helps bring our connection to ourselves, our surroundings and the universe.

Everything we do can become a "yogic experience" and the key to this is AWARENESS. By becoming aware, we can experience and feel connection. Connection to ourselves (body/mind), our family, friends, the earth and all living and non-living things. Yoga teaches us that with everything in nature, there lies a radiant beauty that reminds us to treat everything in life with reverence and respect.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER BEFORE PRACTISING YOGA:

•   For hygeine reasons, OWN MAT required for Vinyasa practice.

•   Come to your class with an EMPTY stomach - if you must eat something, make it light. Save your big meal for later.

•   Wear comfortable stretchy clothing such as tracky daks and T shirt, leotard, etc.

•   Let the teacher know if you have any new injuries, headache, menstruating, pregnant, etc.

•   Practise yoga WITHIN your own limitations. Yoga is not competitive (even with yourself!). Injuries can occur if you strive to reach a posture that the person in front of you is performing.

To practise yoga correctly, you need to be able to breathe comfortably in all of the poses, be grounded and steady and have good intentions as to the outcome of your practice.

CLASS LEVELS
Beginners
This is a class for anyone new to yoga, no matter what age or fitness level. The class builds a solid foundation in a safe and friendly environment. There is strong focus on the preparation of poses, sometimes with the use of props. Simple breathing exercises are also introduced and an introduction to meditation. This class is also great for those returning to yoga after a break or for those seeking a gentle class.

Mixed Level
Open to all levels EXCEPT those who have never practiced yoga before.

Intermediate
Minimum of 6 months experience. This is a challenging class which includes Inversions (handstand, headstand, shoulder stand, forearm balance) as well as Sun Salutations.

TEACHERS
JANET CATESBY (Principal Teacher)
Janet has been practising yoga for 17 years, and teaching for 9 years. Janet received her Yoga Teacher Certificate from the Sydney Yoga Centre, Surry Hills where her teachers were Iyengar trained Eve Grzybowski, Mardi Kendall and Collyn Rivers.

Janet continues her yoga studies through personal practice and through teaching, learning not only from her students, but from everyday life itself. Regular attendance of yoga-related workshops help to advance her knowledge of the yoga tradition and keep her up-to-date with the yoga community.

Janet is a Level 3 Senior Teacher registered with the Yoga Teachers Association of Australia and is also a recognised Yoga Teacher trainer. Yoga West is an Accredited Yoga Teacher Training School through the Yoga Teachers Association of Australia.

Janet is also a member of the international organisation The International Association of Yoga Therapists registered in the US.

Janet teaches a yoga style which could be described as eclectic - dynamic Hatha yoga with strong focus on alignment and precision of poses (within a student's capabilities of course). Props are used where necessary. There is a strong emphasis on breath awareness (pranayama) and mind/body connection through grounding, centering and meditation.

"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from our own actions." - Dalai Lama

PHILLIP THORNTON
Phillip is our resident Naturopath and Massage Therapist, and as you can see, he also dabbles in teaching yoga. Phillip has been practising yoga for 10 years and teaching for 2 years. His classes focus on correct body alignment and grounding. Yoga has made Phillip physically strong and fit. Prior to yoga, he was a gym-junkie, but the wholistic practice of yoga has benefitted not only his own practice but also his practice as a Naturopath.

"We are what we repeatedly do" - Aristotle

LINKS
Yoga Teachers Association of Australian (YTAA) - www.yogateachers.asn.au