What is yoga?
Yoga is a sanskrit word. It means union. Yoga is a physical and mental discipline. There are many different paths or ‘schools’ of yoga but all have a similar goal. Practicing yoga unites body, mind, and spirit to the Divine. This is a system of postures (asana) and breathing (pranayama) practiced in balance. Yoga brings us self-awareness and mental clarity. In other words it brings us the balance we need to fully enjoy our life with a open heart. There is no competition or completion in Yoga, everyone is different.

' When I first started to try yoga my mind was not clear. I was unfocused and not even in touch with my own emotions. Practicing just once to three times a week for an hour or so helped me out! Now I live my life very differently and much more aware of how I feel in general. I have never felt better in my body either.'

What is prana?
Prana is a Sanskrit word. It means the energy or life force that is found in any living creature and nature. It means to ‘breath forth’. Prana is an almost unlimited universal power. It is very subtle form of energy. We receive prana into our bodies by breathing in the air, eating fresh healthy foods, and drinking fresh water. We also receive it from music, spoken or written words. Even beautiful views gives us prana or life force. The sun, stars, and the moon all hold prana. It is life itself. Improved breathing techniques, practiced in yoga as pranayama, gives us more of this life force. The body can also store this energy to increase vitality. Prana is accessible to all of us. Balanced yoga practice helps us control it.

‘ My first strong experience with flowing prana was amazing. Like my body was full of electricity and I had so much energy. The good thing about it I think is we can all go and get plenty of it when we want! This is really the most amazing thing life has to offer. ‘

What are the benefits of yoga?
Physical benefits
Yoga is an exercise system which also focuses on the quality of breathing vs. the quantity of breathing. Getting more energy through inhalation increases blood flow and heat in the body. It gives radiant health, more strength and stamina, and tones the muscles. The other benefits, albeit less visible, are the overall improvements of the organ function and fluid circulation of the body. All organs benefit from yoga. Working on all the systems in the body eventually makes the immune system stronger. Therefore, the body is better prepared to heal itself from any disease and stay healthy.

Psychological benefits
The practice of Yoga helps us to become more mentally and emotionally centered. Practicing yoga on a regular basis makes us also stay more focused and grounded. At the same time, the ability to relax deeply increases. We become more aware of the present moment and how to stay there, a direct benefit for all of us!

Spiritual benefits
For the spirit the practice of Yoga is very helpful. We are better able to connect with ourselves from within and connect to the Divine within us. Communicating with others can become easier, too. Our true self is revealed and we relate to the world in a different way. Our respect for the universe grows. The person practicing yoga becomes more compassionate, opening the heart and becoming more ethical and kind. Thus, one realizes that we are interconnected spiritually through the Divine.

‘I have benefited vastly from practicing yoga over 15 years. Becoming more and more flexible and stronger spiritually and mentally has been the key to my happiness. I am 40 years old and I have never felt better in my life!’

Is yoga a religion?
No. You don't have to adopt any beliefs, gurus, or any gods at all. There is no conflict with whatever you may believe in.  

‘Whatever we believe in becomes stronger, practicing yoga’

What is the main difference between yoga and others exercise systems?
There is no competition or struggle. To be able to do yoga, you do not have to be strong and flexible and yet yoga will increase your strength and flexibility. It is challenging holding poses and relaxing at the same time, however, everyone is on their own pace practicing. But those are secondary benefits. The mental and spiritual benefits make yoga truly unique.

What is meditation?
It connects you with your inner powers of vitality, clarity, peace, and love. When done deeply, meditating also connects you with the Divine within, the wisdom we all carry inside our center. It is a state of deep concentration and control over the conscious mind. In other words, meditation brings a scattered, disorganized, unfocused mind into a state of peace, stillness and tranquility.

‘Once you get used to meditation there is no way back. It is like coming home to a safe place within.’

What is Kripalu yoga?
It is a yoga path that is named after Swami Kripalu. He lived in India and was the teacher of Amrit Desai, the founder of Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lennox, Massachusetts. Kripalu’s approach to yoga is very gentle and open. It is a great way for self improvement and growth. You learn how to come closer to your true self through the practice of yoga. You learn how to be nonjudgmental towards others. At the same time, you establish a nurturing, loving, and sacred relationship with your body, mind and spirit. In this practice your body becomes the temple of your spirit. From there you work on awakening the presence of the Divine. Following this path can take you deeper into the practice and improve your quality of life itself.

‘After practicing hatha yoga, bikram yoga and power yoga, finally I found Kripalu. To me, this is where all yoga paths are combined into the greatest approach to yoga ever. I feel free, loved, and safe in every class I have attended with Kripalu yoga teachers. I have learned to really be present and enjoy the moment!’

What is a yogi?
Simply put, it is one who practices yoga.

Can I hurt myself doing yoga?
Yes. But Yoga is a very safe way to build up strength and flexibility. Go to a good teacher and follow instructions!

What is a guru?
Literally the word guru means teacher.  A secondary meaning can be 'a spiritual leader', a saint, or an enlightener. The letters 'GU' mean darkness and 'RU' means light. One who brings light into darkness.

Will I loose weight?
That depends on the class you are taking. Vigorous classes can help burn fat faster than gentle classes. However, yoga also involves beneficial changes to your diet and lifestyle. Like all other exercise there is no free weight loss solution. Yoga builds strength and will also benefit all the systems in your body through physical exercise, spiritual enlightenment, and a change in diet and lifestyle.

What is hara?
It refers to the internal center of gravity of the human body. This is located about four centimeters below the navel, deep in your body, between the front of the abdomen and the spine. According to the Japanese belief, it is here where vital forces reside, and it is also from this point where deep breathing must be originated.