Yoga originates in India and has been practiced for thousands of years. It has first been introduced into the West in the 60’s of the last century and has enjoyed an ever increasing popularity ever since. Originally having been used to develop the consciousness on a spiritual level, it has been so successful over the years and centuries thanks to its adaptability towards the needs and demands of western life – compensation of a lack of exercise, stress reduction, relaxation, serenity.

I teach a body-oriented form of yoga that is referred to as Hatha-Yoga. Through calm instructions poses (asanas) are adopted and motion sequences (karanas) are practiced. Both are always adapted to the individual capability. The muscles are relaxed, stretched and strengthened. Exercises for composure, breath, energy direction, profound/deep relaxation and meditation benefit mindfulness and concentration. This facilitates a deepened consciousness of body, mind and spirit.

Moreover yoga offers the chance to concern oneself with further questions regarding the meaning of life and the organisation of one’s own life in a restless and materialistic society. Sri Aurobindo, known as the spiritual father of the yoga tradition in which I have been trained (according to the rules of the professional association of yoga instructors in Germany), has expressed this with the words: “All life is yoga”. Consequently what is accomplished and experienced during practice on the mat has a lasting impression on the all-day- life.

Therefore, yoga contains the notion to conceive itself in relation to the creation itself as well as to find access to personal needs. Above all that, it also recognises a responsibility not only for one’s own life but additionally to understand oneself as part of the big picture and the interdependent as well as interconnected society/world we live in.