Introduction

Please read this introduction before starting your practice.

The principle of non-violence is central to yoga teachings - provided you are gentle in your practice and observe your body and mind carefully, there is little risk of injury. Remember that yoga requires a lot of general awareness and attention to detail, and that your practice should preferably include some guidance from a teacher. Take no risks, and learn slowly and carefully.

Start at the index page and get a clear picture of the content.
Form an idea of how these pages are constructed, such overview will afford valuable insight to understanding the vast and complete system of yoga. The principles and aspects of yoga are all interwoven, breathing is, for example, improved by correct posture, and correct posture allows for more body comfort during meditation.
Such insight, and cross reference is made easy with the hyper links.

I have dispensed, where possible, with a strict manual-like approach filled with cumbersome detail and foreign Indian Sanskrit terms. Reference to the postures, the point of departure for most yoga novices, is made easy by the index headers of each section. The postures are explained by way of short description, stick man drawings and photographs. Beginners should aster the individual postures and 'how postures work' before moving on to the principles of putting a sequence or session together. The given poses, sequences and sessions can then be used as is, or mixed up and changed to suit the individual, but according to the principles of constructing a session.

Start at the level you are capable of. All practice should commence by getting a grip on the basics before moving on to the more advanced sections. Do not attempt a more difficult posture when you have not yet mastered the preliminary sequences. Do not be discouraged or despondent when you struggle. Just keep on moving, stretching, breathing. relaxing and meditating. Always take care to not hurt yourself, but also be bold and improvise. Study the different aspects of yoga practice, become aware of your progress by remembering your limitations as a beginner, recall, for example, your shortness of breath, inflexibility and lack of focus.

Yoga is a self regulating system – one cannot advance to the next step without getting to grips with its foundations. The advanced metaphysical yoga notions cannot be mastered before there is at least a basic understanding of breath, body and mind control.

Be regular, consistent in your practice, and allow yoga to open many doors and new perspectives on your life.

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