Ahimsa is the yoga word for ‘doing no harm’. Well-trained yoga teachers will take this as their watchword and will give precautions and modifications through the lessons and have care for the safety of their students.  

 

 

You also have a responsibility for your body - please go gently with your yoga and listen to what your body says. Retreat from any practice which causes pain.  Enjoy a good stretch and work to your limits, but without strain.

 

Every body is different - on the inside as well as the outside - so yoga is non-competitive and students are encouraged not to compare themselves with others in a class.

 

There are different approaches to yoga, some with strenuous, flowing sequences, others include more static postures. Some approaches are more gentle, but all should allow you to progress at your own pace. Most teachers will be open to your coming to a class only once to see if you enjoy that style, though the ancient texts say that you should try out a teacher for 12 years! Sometimes we need to ask ourselves not whether we have found a good teacher, but whether we are good students. A teacher can only put your feet onto the path - you have to travel it yourself and develop a personal practice at home to progress.

 

Students who wish to deepen their practice can find longer workshops in these pages. Remember that the physical practice is but a part of yoga and most teachers will be willing to explain more about yoga philosophy and the search for the true self.

 

Enjoy the stretch and relaxation.  Om shanti shanti shantih (Shanti means ‘peace’)