Essex Tamil Society - எசெக்ஸ் தமிழ்க் கழகம்
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Every Friday evening at 6PM, our very own Yoga instructor - Mr. Raj Singaravelou, guides adult yoga sessions. For more details, contact us at etsociety@hotmail.co.uk.
The word 'Yoga' means union. This is the union or integration of our mind, body and breath. The aim of your yoga teacher is to share their knowledge with you. The hard work needs to be done by you, a teacher cannot make things happen, and only you can. Remember you are invited to join in with the movements described by your teacher. You must take personal responsibility for your own body and what you choose to do with it. In each class we will endeavor to spend an hour on exercise and postures. The remaining time will be shared between some breathing, relaxation or meditation. Progress and abilities will vary with each individual. It will depend on your general fitness, age, impairment, etc, but will generally even out. What one can do, another will find difficult and vice versa. We experiment with different postures and have fun too!

Loose clothing should be worn. We practise in bare feet at all times on a non slip yoga mat. A light lunch on the day of the class if possible and NO FOOD at least 2 hours before the class and generally not for an hour after. General rule- avoid manufactured foods. Please arrive to the class promptly so not to disturb the class. Breathing is always through the nose unless directed otherwise. Try to keep both the nostrils open to maintain positive and negative currents in balance in the body. In-between asanas, talks, waiting time other than relaxation, sit in a comfortable position for you that will maintain an upright spine. After relaxation periods, gently stretch your arms and legs slowly. DO NO suddenly sit up.

Do not feel embarrassed by the postures or become despondent by lack of progress. Go slowly. You will gradually discover your body becoming more flexible and stronger. Any stiffness or soreness will normally pass after a few days. Note your weaker side and also your range of movement and work towards improving your strength and suppleness. Also think about the area of the body you are exercising and try to become aware of the different muscle groups. Try to notice any changes in your senses, better hearing, sharper taste, smell, etc.

As practising yogis we try to live with a positive and cheerful approach to life. Think healthy and become healthy. We concentrate on becoming a better person all round. Actions on a mental, verbal and physical level cause harm, we try to watch what we think, say and do! Finally...ask questions, if I don't know the answers right away I will find out and come back to you. Feed back and let me know if anything doesn't feel right or if anything feels just right! Yoga is timeless, not old or new. Many seekers of the truth have followed this path. They have paved the way for you., so take heart from what they could do; you have the potential within you. Try to become very still and quiet in both mind and body, and you might meet somebody whom you have been unconsciously searching for - YOURSELF!

The Yoga Guru

Raj Singaravelou


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