Meditation
During the week you will be gradually introduced to meditation practice. If you already are an experienced meditator, there is ample time for your own practices as well. We also offer personal meditation guidance by experienced meditation teachers.
To practice meditation leads to a state of calmness, peacefulness and well being. But most of all it is a journey towards our own innermost self and the infinite aspect of ourself that we can find hidden deep within our mind.
What does yoga mean?
Yoga means to unify. Think of a drop that is one with the sea. The drop is already a part of the water but is not conscious of it until it is unified. Yoga helps us realize who we really are.
I am not very flexible, can I still do yoga?
Many persons believe you have to be very flexible to be able to do yoga. This is unfortunately a very common and totally incorrect idea.
It doesnt matter how flexible you are and the goal of yoga is not to become flexible. When we practice yoga we focus on finding harmony between our breath, movement and intention and how they flow together.
The most important in yoga is to be present in body and mind. You just need to be what you are right now. Nothing else is needed.
What type of yoga is practiced on your trips?
The yoga we practice at Joyful Journeys is called Rajadhiraja yoga and is based on Patainjalis eight limbs of yoga.
Ashtaunga yoga means eight limbs of yoga and includes ethical principles, meditation, concentration practices, breath exercises and also a state of complete enlightenment.
The poses are similar to those that are practiced in Hatha yoga, Raja yoga, Iyengar yoga, Kundalinii yoga, Anusara yoga and other styles of yoga. The difference in Rajadhiraja yoga is that the poses are repeated several times, usually four or eight times and that you hold your breath for about eight seconds in each pose.
This leads to a release of energy and makes you feel relaxed, calm and at the same time filled with lots of energy after a yoga session. It also creates an effect that stays with you, long after the yoga session is over.
In Rajadhiraja yoga the practice is calm and contemplative and gives you more energy and increased consciousness.
What does a yoga session look like?
Every day you participate in a 90 to 120 minute yoga session both morning and evening. The yoga sessions include movements (asanas), yoga dance, self massage, meditation and guided deep relaxation.
What are the benefits of yoga?
Yoga effects the endocrine system which leads to a balance of hormone production. This in turn, leads to a good health for both body and mind. Body and mind is touched on a deep level through the combination of movement, breath and intention.
