Please visit cityoga.com.au for more details. The original meaning of Yoga is “to yoke”, or “to harness”. It is, therefore, rightfully seen as a tool by which the native potential of body and mind is unlocked and cultivated. Most of the ones which have become popular here in the west are varieties of Hatha Yoga – a system of physical and mental conditioning which detoxifies the blood and internal
organs, improves the immune system, enhances mental alertness and eliminates stress, but whose ultimate goal is the evolution of the individual. The style taught at City Yoga is Shadow Yoga – a practical application of traditional hatha yogic principles, founded by Shandor Remete (Natanaga Zhander). Shadow Yoga begins with set forms, or preludes, which prepare the student for varying levels of practice. The preludes are systematic, emphasizing alignment, positioning and rhythmic breathing in a dynamic, step by step pattern of unfolding movements. They are structured according to the principles of marmasthana (the vital junctions of the body) and nadi (energetic channels). You do not have to be flexible to do yoga. Nor do you have to be especially supple, strong, fit or young. The practice of yoga can be undertaken at any stage in life, with any body shape or constitution, and as long as one maintains an open, receptive mind, yoga will certainly encourage suppleness, stability and general well-being. Through the dynamic practice of the stances, stiffness in the joints and muscles is relieved; attention to alignment corrects various postural difficulties; and the emphasis on breathing draws the mind inwards and cultivates a calm, quiet steadiness free of tension and stress.
