Andra bENSON

There are so many misconceptions about yoga in our Western culture. While I can not speak on behalf of every studio, every teacher of yoga, or every practice. I can speak to you about what I believe to be true about yoga, my method of teaching within my studio, and in my personal practice. 

"Be still and know that I am God." These few words are key to yoga.

This ancient spiritual practice offers the practitioner the tools necessary to still the spinning of the mind and restlessness of the body that prevents us from knowing who we really are and distracts us from our relationship with God, our creator. 

Yoga is an eightfold path:

• Yama (moral conduct): noninjury to self or others, truthfulness, nonstealing, and non-covetousness. 

• Niyama (spiritual observances): purity of body and mind, contentment in all circumstances, self-discipline, self-study, and devotion to God.

• Asana: Postures

• Pranyama: control of prana (breath). The subtle life currents within the body. 

• Pratyahara: self-awareness through the withdrawal of the senses from the external world and from the ego.

• Dharana: focuses concentration; holding the mind on one thought, idea, or object.

• Dhyana: meditation, absorption of God in all HIs aspects - Peace, Love, and Wisdom.

• Samahi: Superconcious experience of the oneness of the individuals' soul with God the creator of all things.