If you imagine Yoga only in terms of fitness then you are missing the aim and substance of Yoga.
This ancient discipline is much more than just a form of exercise that helps us maintain our physical health. Rather it is one of the oldest self-development and character-building programmes. Committed practitioners adopt its philosophy and discipline and make it their very lifestyle so that it continually nourishes their mind-body-spirit complex.
Ironically, Yoga is, at once, both simple and complex. On the one hand, a practitioner does not need any fancy equipment or props to learn Yoga. All they need to bring is themselves. It isn’t difficult to follow along as beginner poses are being taught.
On the other hand, if we believe we can master Yoga within a few sessions, or even within a few years, we would be mistaken. Yoga is a discipline that incorporates so many aspects because the aim is to treat an individual holistically, placing at a yogi’s disposal every possible tool that will help him or her attain enlightenment and self-transformation.
So, while physical postures strengthen and stretch the body, breath control helps nourish vital internal organs. Cleansing kriyas helps detox the body. The principles and observances of Yoga that come under the Yamas and Niyamas, help a yogi deal with the world around him/her; they also help him/her set out a course that is uncompromising in moral and ethical principles.
Finally, as the yogi goes deeper into her/his Yoga journey, the emphasis is now on developing more focus and concentration, so that one can introspect and reflect. This leads to meditation.
Boost your focus with yoga at Pratimoksha Enlighten Yoga Center in Dubai! In this video, we guide you through Trataka, or candle gazing, a traditional yogic detox technique that enhances concentration and calms the mind. Ideal for all ages, including kids and teens, Trataka is a powerful practice for developing inner vision and managing stress.
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Discover Trataka, a powerful meditation technique involving gazing at a candle flame to sharpen focus and mental clarity. Set a quiet, dimly lit space, sit comfortably, and gaze gently at the flame. Close your eyes to visualize the flame and repeat for 5-10 minutes. Embark on a journey of self-discovery and unlock your mind’s full potential in vibrant Dubai!
As simple as all this might sound, it is but a very superficial summary of what Yoga is all about. And even all this is very easily the work of a lifetime for most!
Why Yoga?
Pratimoksha’s Enlighten Yoga Center in Dubai offers a holistic approach to yoga that extends far beyond just physical postures (asanas). Our philosophy embraces the teachings of Ashtanga Yoga, emphasizing simple living, profound thinking, and techniques like pranayama (breathwork) and dhyana (meditation) for a well-rounded practice. Our course-based programs blend practical Ayurveda, therapeutic techniques, osteopathy, and energy healing to promote stress management, inner peace, and overall health. We believe happiness is the ultimate goal, and our classes are designed to guide you toward a more purposeful, fulfilling life.
Professional guidance
Pratimoksha Dubai recommends that a beginner always start their learning with traditional Yoga classes. Once we know what authentic Yoga is, why certain poses are done in a certain way, or at a certain time only, why there is so much emphasis on breathing, why the self-disciplines are as important as the actual Yoga, why cleansing kriyas are so vital… then we can veer off the track, should we wish to do so. Chances are we won’t want to. Because Yoga has been devised by the ancient sages to be sufficient in itself.
However, with our modern lifestyle, there is a need to customize poses especially if we are beginning Yoga in our middle age, or after an injury, etc. This is where a professional Yoga teacher can guide us. Do not try and do Yoga independently in such circumstances. You might end up injuring yourself or aggravating your condition. Learn the basics of Yoga well under a guru, and once the foundation is strong we can build on it through a comprehensive home practice.
Benefits of Yoga
Almost from the first session, one will notice the serenity and calmness that Yoga provides. The alternate stretching and strengthening of muscles help in the better flow of blood, which in turn reaches vital stores of oxygen and nutrients to all areas of the body. Better lung function is another immediate benefit. As we persist in our daily practice we will notice that our lung capacity is better; we can inhale deeper, and exhale more fully. Inhalations and exhalations are usually done to a certain count with the exhalations being longer than the inhalations. If you could initially inhale only up to 4, in time you will see that number double.
One could argue that the benefits of Yoga are really felt only as one age. A regular practitioner will notice that their body remains more supple and flexible with age, chronic aches, and pains are less, and they will be less prone to illnesses and diseases.
Apart from this, Yoga confers a host of mental benefits reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, and improving mental clarity and focus. Regular practice unlocks more energy stores within, helping us tackle our daily chores faster and with ease.
One can never go wrong with Yoga, as long as we learn it correctly and understand the benefits of each pose, and how to do them correctly. Yoga demands that you slow down and spend more time with yourself. This might be uncomfortable at first, but very soon you will enjoy this precious time you set apart for yourself.
Learning Yoga the Proper Way
In this video from Pratimoksha – Enlighten Yoga Center in Dubai, viewers are guided on how to effectively incorporate yoga into their daily lives, both at the yoga center and at home. The video features expert instructors demonstrating proper yoga techniques and discussing the philosophy that views the body as a temple and asanas as prayers. It emphasizes the importance of consistent practice, showing how mastering asanas can lead to transcending physical and mental boundaries. Through instructional content and motivational dialogue, the video inspires viewers to practice yoga regularly to achieve a deeper sense of balance and wellness.
Pratimoksha’s Beyond series of classes are ideal for anyone living in Dubai and keen on learning Yoga properly, from the foundation up. It’s designed to take a student progressively through all 8 branches of Ashtanga Yoga. For more information call us at 00971-50-385-5613.
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