FAQ
Putting Heart into the City - Yonge Bloor Yoga Center. In the heart of the downtown core find room to breathe and be. Connect with what is most important in life, through yoga classes and stress reduction workshops designed to revitalize mind/body from our convieniently located setting.
What is the meaning of yoga?
Commonly translated, yoga is a union of the body, mind and spirit. It is the union of prana with apana; the union of the sun with the moon, or light with darkness. It is a union of masculine and feminine, inhalation and exhalation, the union of the thoughts of all people. In using the word union, what is truly meant is unification of duelling energies or opposites, creating balance.
Ultimately what we are striving to learn is that it is not possible to have no thoughts and so we seek to still the mind to simply one thought. "yoga citta vritti nirodha" translates as "yoga is the control of thought waves in the mind".
What does Namaste mean?
The gesture Namaste represents the belief that there is a Divine spark within each of us that is located in the heart Chakra. The gesture is an acknowledgment that each soul is connected to the higher power and, therefore each soul is connected to all souls . "Nama" means bow, "as" means I, and "te" means you. Therefore, Namaste literally means "bow me you" or "I bow to you."
In general, it is used as a form of greeting.
What does OM mean?
OM is a mantra, or vibration, that is traditionally chanted at the beginning of yoga and end of yoga sessions. It is considered to be the primordial sound and vibration of all things.
Somehow the ancient yogis knew what scientists today are telling us--that the entire universe is moving. Nothing is ever solid or still. Everything that exists pulsates, creating a rhythmic vibration that the ancient yogis acknowledged with the sound of OM. We may not always be aware of this sound in our daily lives, but we can hear it in the rustling of the autumn leaves, the waves on the shore, the inside of a seashell.
All Vedic mantras start with OM. It is written and pronounced by some as ‘AUM’ with the letters "A" & "U" becoming an "O" as in ‘tone’.
Chanting OM allows us to recognize our experience as a reflection of how the whole universe moves, the setting sun, the rising moon, the ebb and flow of the tides, the beating of our hearts. As we chant OM, it takes us to this universal movement, through our breath, our awareness, and our physical energy, and we begin to sense a bigger connection that is both uplifting and soothing.
Aum is the sound of the Universe
What is mantra and how is it used?
Mantra has been used for thousands of years. The vibration created emanates and stimulates energy in the body. A mantra is like an affirmation and can be used in many ways. The most common mantra used is of course OM.
Is Yoga a religion?
No. Developed in India, Yoga is a physical and mental and spiritual practice that originated about 5,000 years ago. The word "Yoga" means union. Traditionally, the goal of Yoga is union with the Absolute, known as Brahman, or with Atman, the true self. Today, the focus is often on the more practical benefits of Yoga, including improved strength and flexibility, mental clarity, greater self-understanding, stress relief and general well being. Spirituality is often included in most practices, however, each individual can choose how to interpret its connotations. The beauty of Yoga is in its versatility, allowing practitioners to focus on the physical, psychological or spiritual, or a combination of all three.
What is asana?
The Sanskrit meaning is posture held in stillness, both mentally and physically and yet conscious of the subtle shifts that arise during this practice. Asana is used to strengthen and heal the physical body. It takes practice and dedication to cultivate calmness, concentration and lightness.
Asanas evolved in ancient India as Rishi’s (knowers or seer’s) observed the movement and stillness of all life forms, especially that of animals as they healed. It is from this profound observation that asana evolved.
What is a Chakra?
The Sanskrit word translates as wheel and represents the psycho-spiritual junctions and pathways in the body. Although there are said to be over 1000 energy centers in the body they have been broken down to seven main centers branching out from the spinal column.
What is Hatha Yoga?
The term "Hatha" has changed it's meaning from East to West. Traditionally "Hatha" is an umbrella term to incorporate all the physical forms of yoga. Since yoga is an entire philosophy and lifestyle, the physical postures are only one component of this practice. Here in the western world, Hatha has been used to describe a style of class. This style is based on classic and modern postures used to strengthen the body, increase flexibility, improve balance and coordination, and calm the mind. These classes are suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.
What is Ashtanga Yoga?
Ashtanga yoga literally means "The Eight Limbs of Yoga". The eight limbs of yoga consisting of yama (moral observance) niyama (inner integrity), asana (posture), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (drawing back the senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditiation) and samadhi (a state of joy and peace). Ashtanga Yoga as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois is a vigorous system of yoga that involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures. This process produces an intense internal heat and purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs creating a strong supple body and calm mind. These classes are suitable for intermediate or advanced levels.
What health benefits are derived from doing Yoga?
Ongoing studies continue to show the health benefits derived from doing yoga. Apart from an increase in flexibility yoga provides an increase in muscle endurance. Holding and maintaining postures such as standing poses, balancing poses, and inversions build strength because they require sustained isometric contractions of both large and small muscles. Yoga also provides an aerobic activity by using vinyasas (such as Sun Salutations) to increase the heart rate. Furthermore, yoga has been proven to help such ailments as arthritis, arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, chronic fatigue, insomnia, asthma, varicose veins, and heart conditions.
What if I'm not flexible?
You do not have to be flexible to practice yoga! Part of the yoga practice is learning to listen to the body and to accept where you are at any particular point in time. Unlike some sports or other forms of exercise, yoga is non-competitive. The beauty of yoga is that it can be practiced at any age, any level. It is a safe and gentle way to begin increasing flexibility and range of movement as well as strengthening the body, mind and spirit.
What if I have had a previous injury or chronic pain?
Gentle Hatha classes are specifically taught with injuries or other limitations in mind. The postures that are taught are offered with modifications catering to those with limited range of movement. Please inform your teacher prior to class of any injuries or areas of concern.
How often should I practice yoga?
Yoga practice should be a part of your daily life. It is our goal to support and strengthen your personal yoga practice. It is recommended that you practice at least once a week, however to get the full benefits of the practice three to five times a week is recommended