Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice all rolled into one. Practicing yoga regularly will improve your:

• flexibility
• strength
• stamina
• mental focus
• ability to deal with stress
• understanding of your body
• understanding of your mind
• connection with Spirit.

Many people come to the practice initially for the physical benefits, but stay with it over the years because of the increased feelings of well-being, contentment and connection that they find it brings. Yoga is a spiritual practice, but it is not a religion so it does not ask or require you to believe in any doctrines or rules, just to see what happens and keep an open mind. Over time you will begin to see the beauty and depth of the practice and underlying wisdom of its philosophy simply through the practice of working with your attention, attitude, body and breath.

What is Anusara yoga?

Anusara yoga, which was founded by American John Friend in the 1990s, blends a heart-oriented Tantric philosphy with Universal Principles of Alignment. In an Anusara-Inspired class you can expect to explore a theme inspired by the ancient yogic texts and follow fluid breath-focussed sequences of postures. The sequences and length of time poses are held vary from class to class, and attention is paid to mindful alignment of the body and actions to increase the flow of energy. Classes are playful, challenging, fun and uplifting as well as educational. 

Bendykate is one of only a few teachers in the UK authorised to teach Anusara-Inspired yoga. This level of qualification means that a teacher has a minimum of 200 hours of training (including some teacher training) in Anusara yoga and has had their teaching assessed to be of a minimum standard. The next stage of qualification is that of Certified Anusara Yoga Teacher. At present there are only 2 Certified teachers in the UK. To obtain this authorisation requires you to reach some of the highest standards in the yoga teaching profession: at least 4 years of yoga practice; at least 2 years of regular meditation practice; at least 2 years of teaching yoga; over 500 hours of study including a minimum of 100 hours of teacher training; at least 50 hours of study with John Friend; passing an open book examination covering the Anusara method plus detailed anatomy and philosophy ; plus a very high level of teaching assessed by a panel of experienced teachers. Kate is currently working towards Certified Anusara teacher status.

For more information go to www.anusara.com. 

 

Got a specific question that wasn't answered here? Email bendykate!