Yoga
My Background
I got started with yoga when I moved to a new job and new home in the Stirling area in my early twenties. As I didn’t know anyone, some colleagues kindly invited me to join them for their weekly yoga class. Since then I was hooked and following subsequent house and job moves, always sought out a local yoga class. Finally, in my ‘3rd age’ I decided to study for Yoga Scotland’s 2 year teacher training programme and have recently completed the British Wheel of Yoga’s Level 4 NVQ in ‘Gentle Years Yoga.’
Yoga in the u3a
Many u3as in the UK have one or more Yoga Groups incorporating a range of styles and approaches.
Some have a member(s) who has a recognised yoga qualification and is happy to share knowledge and experience with a local group. For those u3as who don’t - the subject adviser can
support a group in finding resources and planning a safe and enjoyable session suitable for a 3rd age group.
As well as gaining the benefits of improvements in health and well-being, practising together can be sociable and a lot of fun for an enthusiastic group.
How I can help you
Members who have an existing group or are thinking of starting a new one are welcome to contact me by email via the link at the top of this webpage.
There are also links to lots of resources posted on this webpage: from factsheets, to recommendations of books and articles and our occasional monthly newsletters. (Please see the foot of this webpage.)
Monthly online workshops
Suitable for experienced and newer Yoga Group Leaders alike, these are a great way to share knowledge and practice with your peers throughout the UK, within a friendly environment.
Recent sessions have included : Chair Yoga; Adapting Postures for Joint Issues; and Relaxation techniques. Not only do you get the chance to participate in one of the group’s short Yoga sessions, but you also get a takeaway practice to share with you u3a Group.
Online Workshops for New Yoga Group Leaders
These are aimed at those who are thinking of starting, or have recently started, a new u3a Yoga Group. These run two or three times a year and are advertised in the ‘Events’ page of the national u3a monthly online newsletters. Bookable via the ‘Eventbrite’ link.
Ongoing Workshops
These take place online (usually monthly) and are open to both new and experienced Group Leaders. If you would like to be included in the circulation list to receive the invitation and Zoom link for these, please contact me via the link at the top of the webpage.
Help and Resources
Thought of the month : ‘Drishti’
The ‘goal’ of Yoga is the stilling of the mind via meditation practice. In the ‘West’ much of Yoga is practised via postures (asanas). We can use the concept of Drishti – which is the means of developing a concentrated focus- on what we are practising NOW whether it be an asana, breathing practice or meditation. For example, in Vrkasana (tree posture) we often direct the eyes to a ‘point’ to help maintain balance and concentration.
Thought of the month: ‘KARMA’- This often misunderstood concept, in a nutshell, refers to ‘skill in action.’ It’s a key concept of the ancient text I mentioned in a previous newsletter- the ‘Bhagavad Gita.’
Actions in the present have consequences in the future. Sometimes these actions produce unintended results. What does this mean for actions we perform in our everyday lives? According to Yogic principles, it is important to carry out an action selflessly in the spirit of the moment – rather than in the anticipation of a particular outcome. We can’t predict whether that outcome will have positive or negative effects in the near or distant future, despite well meaning intentions. Can you think of any examples?
Jargon Buster of the Month :** The Gunas.’ This term refers to the three qualities of energy which exist in us: ‘Tamas’ – the lethargic state, Rajas – the over energetic state and ‘Sattva’ the balanced and enlightened state. As we tend to veer towards ‘Tamas’ in the winter, the theme of practice will be to aim towards balanced energy.
Jargon Buster of the month : The Mantra ‘OM’
Those of you who have been practising yoga for many years will remember that nearly every session started and finished with the chanting of the mantra ‘OM’ – but what is the mystery behind this chant?
‘OM’ is composed of 3 parts; A- O- M. This relates to the 3 states of consciousness. A- the waking state, O- the sleep state and M- the ‘transcendental state. The vibration from the repeated chant of the mantra OM within a group can be quite powerful and unifying.
Jargon buster of the month : YOGA
What is ‘Yoga?’ is it a whole body exercise system, a tool for chilling out or what? The term comes from a translation of the Sanskrit word for ‘yoke.’ As with any translation, some of the subtle meaning can be lost. In this case, ‘yoke’ is taken to mean ‘union’- ie the integration of mind, body and spirit via the regular practice of dhyana ( meditation), asana ( postures) and prananayama ( breath control.) Therefore, yoga is so much more than a series of physical movements.
- Carson, Kimberley and Carol, Kruckhoff. Relax into Yoga for Seniors. New Harbinger Productions 2016. Well illustrated with postures and practices suitable for the 3rd Age. Access to downloadable content on purchase of the book.
- Desikachar, TKV. The Heart of Yoga. Inner Traditions 1995. (The classic introduction to Yoga Philosophy as well as explanations on breathing and posture sequences.
- Feurstein, Georg and Payne, Larry : Yoga for Dummies. Wiley Publishing ( latest edition widely available). Simple step by step guidance on Yoga with illustrations of simple postures and sequences)
- Graham, Margaret : Keep Moving, Keep Young. (Gentle Yoga Exercises), British Wheel of Yoga. Conker productions. (Out of print but usually available second hand online.)
- Kent, Howard, The Big Little Book of Yoga. Thorsons 2003. (A classic and straightforward text with practical tips and lots of illustrations.)
Here are a few UK organisations
The British Wheel of Yoga trains teachers to national qualification (NVQ) standards and has a wealth of online information accessible to all members. Of particular importance are the sections on risk assessment, safeguarding, and data protection (GDPR.) THE BWY also has a list of ‘accredited institutions.’ Please see website. www.bwy.org.uk
Yoga Alliance: An international qualification run by several organisations in the UK whose teachers are trained to meet YA professional standards. yogaallianceprofessionals.org
Yoga Scotland. Trains teachers mainly operating in Scotland and the North of England and follows a similar syllabus to that of BWY. Recognised by sportscotland as the lead body for training yoga teachers in Scotland. yogascotland.org.uk
I am not recommending any specific institution-have a look on a few websites to find out which approach or style might suit your particular group. Generally, the minimum standard of training hours for teachers are 200 hours (eg Yoga Alliance) and 500 hours (eg BWY, Yoga Scotland.)