Living Yoga – A Holistic Lifestyle for the Urban Dweller
Internationally trained and committed teachers inspire a range of Yoga styles for pupils to choose from – Hot Yoga, Power Yoga, Flow Yoga, Meditative Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Kids Yoga and Pregnancy Yoga practices to Ashtanga Yoga courses, Tibetan Heart Yoga teachers courses, specialised workshops and more are available at Living Yoga. While stretching is involved, yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, accurately describes the word ‘asana’ as the practice of physical postures or poses each of which has specific physical benefits. Aiding in the fitness and toning of the body and balancing of the mind Yoga has more recently been introduced as a recovery exercise for people undergoing surgery. The restorative healing powers of ‘living with yoga’ will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Cherryl says, ‘Every one of us has the ability to find his or her centre of peace in daily living. Depending on what you value in your yoga experience – the health and fitness benefits, ambience, a sense of community or quality and friendliness of the teachers – practicing different yoga styles in a studio environment offers every convenience and all the satisfaction.
Pupils are welcomed by the serene smile of Buddha as they enter the calming sanctuary of Living Yoga. Great care has been taken in providing beautifully appointed modern studios – the largest in Johannesburg – mirrored on one side, green walls and sandblasted windows let light flow through the studios without any distraction from the outside world. Wooden vinyl floors, change rooms and showers stylishly fitted in black slate tiles with glass hand basins all seemingly working together to create harmony, comfort and relaxation.
Two rooms, The Fire Room and The Light Room offer different Yoga styles depending on the energy levels and needs of the pupil for that day. Heat in The Fire Room helps to accelerate many of the benefits of the practice, or Yoga style and promotes detoxification through perspiration. This also facilitates calorie burning and increased weight loss. The heat also allows the body to enter into the postures with more safety, reducing any risk of injury. As you get into poses more deeply and effectively, the benefits of the postures will come faster. Pupils find that practicing yoga in a heated room creates a satisfying feeling of achievement.
For those missing the elements of nature, practicing in the beauty of a forest, on a beach with panoramic ocean views or on the expansive desert sands is a thought away. With the help of digital technology images of nature are projected onto the walls of The Light Room enhancing a sense of peace and connectedness to the inner self.
Cherryl’s studies in Buddhist philosophy and meditation allow for her style that is best described as teaching Yoga as a lifestyle and not simply as an exercise routine. Taught under the guidance of Guru Rushi Dharma Jyoti (Yogacharya Vishwas Mandlik) at Yoga Vidya Dham in Nasik, India, Cherryl has sought guidance and training from Yogis worldwide and is inspired by styles such as Ashtanga, Anusara, Tibetan Heart Yoga and Vinyasa Flow Yoga. Acclaimed in the field Cherryl has been requested to write articles for Yoga Awakening and trained at Evolution, Asia’s largest annual Yoga conference in Hong Kong in July 2008.
Living Yoga is located on the 1st Floor of the Riverview Centre, Cnr Hillcrest Ave and Conrad Drive, Craighall in Johannesburg. For more information contact Cherryl Duncan on the details alongside.
Yoga classes offered at Living Yoga include:
Hatha Yoga
This class is more meditative in nature and ideal for the beginner and those wanting a restorative, rejuvenating practice. Postures are held for a period of time and rests are given between each of the postures. The focus is on solidifying the relationship between mind and body aiming to restore balance from the inside out. Work is done deep into 3 main systems; digestive, nervous and endocrine creating overall balance and harmony. Practiced in The Fire Room or The Light Room.
Flow Classes
Vinyasa Flow Yoga incorporates fluid movements with deep, rhythmic breathing. Synchronising movement with breath enhances the health benefits of each pose including greater muscular strength and tone, increased flexibility and joint mobility improved circulation and hormonal balance, as well as, creating a more focused, calm and meditative state of awareness. Practiced in The Fire Room or The Light Room.
Ashtanga Yoga
A set sequence of postures attributed to Sri K Pattabhi Jois practiced Vinyasa style (dynamic movement from one posture to the next). There are six series altogether beginning with the Primary series which is taught at Living Yoga. A physically demanding sequence that works for every major joint and muscle group in the body. Practiced in The Fire Room or The Light Room.
Moms and Kids Yoga
‘Moms and Kids Yoga’ is available for those moms wanting to come with their children for a personal bonding and fun experience. Only children from 4 – 10 years can attend.
Lunar Flow
On the evening of every full moon, Living Yoga honours the Lunar qualities that in turn affect our inner energetic world. Lunar Flow focuses on the calming, slower-paced, introspective and contemplative postures that help us to rejuvenate and restore.
