At SafariNow.com, we believe in a balanced lifestyle. We work hard, but we also remind ourselves to play. Hard and soft. We try to let go and hang ten from time to time. Our Yoga sessions with Viktor van der Kleijare a most welcome break from our intense e-commerce work. Viktor compiled the following introduction to Yoga - well worth a read, whether you are learning, or living Yoga.
About Yoga
Yoga has many layers. We can mould this yoga thing into a personal package. If we like to get fit, it can be of use. If we like to unravel the mysteries of life it can also be used.
Yoga is very diverse. It has many branches, offshoots. Without going into detail… The main ones are: Karma, Bhakti, Gyana, Raja and Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga is the only branch that deals with the mind through body and breath movements. In the last 100 years or so Hatha Yoga has been divided. It has formed different offshoots, all presenting different focus points. To say one is better or worse in general is impossible. It all depends on what you are looking for and where/how you like to use it in your life.
What are we doing in classes?
In the classes that we offer SafariNow the focus is on the body and the breath.
In Classical Yoga we teach you to become conscious of your body and how to relax it properly. Bringing awareness to the movements of the body, you learn in time, to move with a smaller risk of creating injuries. Through precise movements we try to improve incorrect posture. Bad posture leads to all kinds of problems like, back pain, repetitive strain injury, but also internally, bad position can create stress on our organs etc. Preventing injuries is always better than healing them. What applies to the body we can also see in the mind; stress and anxiety are all results of to much pressure we put on ourselves. In the long run we feel this in the form of headaches, lack of concentration, restlessness etc., therefore learning to relax yourself properly is of great importance.
Is Yoga interfering with my faith?
Yoga is not a religion. It does not have one founder or organisation. It is first and foremost a practical philosophy.
Any belief system, from Atheist to Christianity and from the Muslim faith to a tribal belief system, without interfering with their point of view, can use Yoga.
I know of Christian monasteries that are using the concepts and practices to deepen their faith. Also I know of traditional Muslims that teach the practice of Yoga.
Yoga is not goal orientated, it is totally personal. This means you do not have to be flexible or fit to enjoy the benefits from Yoga. There is no perfect position! It is all about exploring, becoming aware how the body feels how to move it all in combination with the breath.
The Yoga movements (Asanas) are designed to strengthen the body, to loosen the limbs by flexing the muscles in all the areas. This combination of strengthening and stretching with conscious breath work (Pranayama) provides the bloodstream and nerves system with a great supply of oxygen. Resulting in a good feeling through the body and the mind.
How long does it take to feel the effect of Yoga?
Although Yoga is not an instant fix, the effects can be felt immediately after a good class, in the form of a good feeling, tranquil, rested and/or feeling balanced.
For the longer, lasting, deeper results: Commitment in the form of regular classes, the desire to learn and to be open to something new, are the keys for success.
What to bring?
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Comfortable clothing (shorts, leggings are great to move freely in)
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Blanket (large enough to cover yourself with)
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Mat (you can buy the cheaper mats at any big sport shop or we sell the better ones if you like)
Comments from the Yogi folk at Safari Now:
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“There was a crooked man, and he walked a crooked mile…” Sometimes I feel like that crooked man, especially after sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day. Yoga straightens me out, its fun, it frees my mind and at the same time gets me back in my body.
Samantha Black
- Yoga is a potent tool to help you understand your mind, body and soul, and how they fit in to this complex world. It is a disciplined art which, if practiced regularly, creates fitness, strength, flexibility and health.
Matthew Swart
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As a newcomer to yoga it is difficult for me to explain the benefits that I get from yoga although I am sure there are many!
It is probably best to explain the way that I feel during and after which is the following:
tranquil, peaceful, aligned, well stretched, conscious, less-stressed and balanced.
Dylan Rothschild
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It’s the break in the day where I do what I want to do and not what I need to do.
Patricia Mather
Photos: Nikki Rixon