Yoga

Connection with Yourself

Yoga is an ancient tradition that originated in ancient India, thousands of years ago. The word "yoga" comes from Sanskrit and means "connection" or "union". This connection refers to the unity of body, mind and soul, but also to the connection between the individual and the universe. Yoga is a wonderful way to connect with your body and to release any blockages. Through gentle movements and targeted stretching, you learn to release tension. The moment you clear your head and consciously breathe through the tension in your body, you notice that you can move through limitations. Many of these limitations are created by thoughts like "I can't do this", but by consciously stretching and breathing, you discover that you can do more than you thought.

The Development of Yoga

The first traces of yoga can be found in archaeological excavations in the Indus Valley, where seal stones show figures in postures that resemble yoga poses. In the Vedic texts (1500–1000 BCE), yoga was described as a spiritual practice, focused on meditation and rituals. In the Upanishads (800–400 BCE), the focus shifted to inner experiences, with breathing (pranayama) and meditation becoming central components.

The systematic form of yoga was laid down by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras (200 BCE). He described the eightfold path (Ashtanga), consisting of ethical precepts (Yama), personal disciplines (Niyama), physical postures (Asana), breathing techniques (Pranayama), withdrawal of the senses (Pratyahara), concentration (Dharana), meditation (Dhyana) and spiritual union (Samadhi).

In the Middle Ages, Hatha Yoga developed, using physical postures and breathing techniques to purify the body and release energy. Well-known texts from this period are the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Gheranda Samhita.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, yoga was brought to the West by spiritual teachers such as Swami Vivekananda and later by Krishnamacharya. His disciples, such as BKS Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois, developed styles of yoga that became known worldwide.

Different Yoga Styles

• Yin Yoga: A calm form in which postures are held longer to release deeper tensions. This style focuses on the connective tissue and promotes deep relaxation.

• Yang Yoga: A dynamic, active form of yoga with shorter, intensive postures that focus on muscle strength and energy.

• Hatha Yoga: The basic form of yoga, which combines breathing and physical postures to create balance.

• Vinyasa Yoga: A flowing and dynamic style in which postures are linked together to the rhythm of the breath.

Feeling Above Form

Yoga is not about how a pose looks, but about how it feels. Yoga helps you to start the day consciously or to end it calmly. By practicing regularly, you will notice that you are more calm and balanced in life. If you practice in the evening, yoga can ensure a deeper and more relaxed night's sleep.

Yoga as a Daily Routine

When yoga becomes a regular part of your daily routine, it becomes a natural form of self-care. Just like cleaning your house, yoga helps keep your inner space clear and balanced. By starting your day with a moment of silence and presence in the present moment, you will experience more peace and positivity throughout the day.

Yoga is timeless. It continues to adapt to the world, but always offers a place to rest, strengthen yourself and stay in balance.

What you can use for Yoga the most important thing is of course a mat:

Yoga mat – For comfort and grip during exercises.

Yoga blocks – For support during stretches and postures.

Yoga wheel – For deep stretches and back openers.

Yoga Elastics (Resistance Bands) – For strength and flexibility exercises.

Bolsters – For extra support in relaxing positions.

Blankets (Merino wool) – For warmth and comfort during relaxation or meditation.

Comfortable clothing

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