Benefits of Yoga & Frequently asked Questions
People come to Yoga classes, Workshops, and Courses with Swami Atma Gyanam for lots of different reasons. Because Yoga works in so many different ways and there are so many aspects of it, as you might expect from a science that has been practiced for thousands of years. So whether you are interested in yoga out of curiosity because of the way it's turning up in so many adverts, films, and shop windows, or whether you have been referred by a doctor or physiotherapist because of a sore back, insomnia, stress, blood pressure, or other health conditions, whether it's to support a sporting practice like running weightlifting, crossfit, rock climbing, or etc, whether it's been recommended because of pregnancy, or if you have a spiritual longing but are not really interested in religion, or to support your religious practice, whether the emerging science of longevity has bought you to yoga, or are interested in the mental health benefits, the following page hopes to answer your questions and point you in the right direction.
What is Yoga?
Yoga means 'union' it is an ancient system developed in India aimed at uniting the individual self with the 'big self' or what I call Life. In my book Song of Life this idea is explored in full.
...but I thought it was just stretching?
One of the paths of Yoga is called Hatha Yoga and one of the aspects of that path is Asana or posture, in addition India has a tendency to spiritualise everything and so physical culture such as martial arts and wrestling, gymnastics and dance have all contributed to the physical part of yoga. It includes strength building, mobility/flexibility training, physiotherapeutic movements, exercises to improve co-ordination and balance, to increase energy levels, immune function and longevity.
Is Yoga good for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety?
Yes. While not yoga teachers are not formally recognised as psychotherapists Yoga practice has been repeatedly shown to be an effective intervention for a wide range of mental health conditions.
I am trained as trauma informed and get feedback every week that the classes have help people get through the week, reset their stress counter to zero, and even had students thank me for saving their lives through the support of their yoga practice.
Are beginners welcome / Can I come to class if it's my first time?
'the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step' Yes whether you are coming for curiosity, for a specific aim, or you are not even sure why you are coming, you are welcome!
I am used to people coming for their first class at any point.
What is a Swami?
A Swami means 'self mastered' it is a term from India that can be translated as master, but can also mean someone who has let go of their expected household, caste or religious duties to pursue their spiritual path.
Sanyassa means placing (nyassa), everything (san). Imagine a feeling of being free of your possessions, emotional attachments, and beliefs or concepts. So that instead of owning you are looking after, instead of being scared of losing people you inspire and are inspired, instead of blindly accepting ideas about who you are, why you are here, and what life is about, you decide to find out.
For me it was something that occurred very naturally after decades of practice and was really saying that I am fully committing to helping people through yoga practice.
How is stretching spiritual?
For someone who is spiritually minded, everything is spiritual. Yoga doesn't have to be spiritual, it can be enjoyed purely physically. It can be enjoyed psychologically, socially, sensually. But if you want to fill that spiritual void in your life without being asked to believe in anything and whether the existential angst can be addressed allowing you to live more freely and fully then posture starts to work like somatic therapy and concentrates the mind, you start to meet yourself through the challenges the postures or meditation present, you build awareness and sensitivity, and sometimes the flow or stillness in practice gives an experience of harmony between the inner sense of 'i' and 'myself', or between 'me' and 'the world'.
Any other Questions?
Having been studying Yoga as well as practicing for decades there's a good chance I can point you towards answers to any yoga related questions you may have.