The Yoga Place Zurich

In the busy hustle bustle of daily living the importance of health is often put aside and status, success and career takes priority. Even if we try to spend time for ourselves we do so maybe by going to the movies, or a pub or sitting on the computer. This does not mean to say one should not, but are we really spending time for ourselves? When we practice yoga we spend time for our self, our inner

most self while working on, listening to and understanding our body, mind and emotions. The concept of yoga is estimated to be around 8000 – 10000 years old. Originated in India it has now spread to almost everywhere in the world. The word yoga has its root in the Sanskrit word of “yujir” which means to merge, join or unite. Iyengar defines it: “Yoga allows you to achieve a sense of wholeness in your life, where you do not feel like you are constantly fitting broken pieces together. Yoga allows you to find an inner peace that is not ruffled and riled by the endless stresses and struggles of life”. Yoga consists of eight branches, which are all interlinked and interdependent. They might seem to differ from one another but they all lead to the same goal. Those who are not inclined with the spiritual aspects can practice it for the health it brings to the body and mind. Most of the time when one speaks of yoga one speaks of the 3rd (Asana) and 4th branch (Pranayama). Whereas in Asanas we practice different poses for physical discipline, Pranayama is to control the breath for mental discipline. The first two branches (Yama and Niyama) focus on interpersonal behavior and the behavior towards oneself. Whereas in the 5th branch (Pratyahara) one is taught the discipline of senses through the withdrawal of senses. The last three focus on concentration (Dharna, Dhyana and Samadhi) and cannot be taught, they happen naturally if one practices the first 5 branches mindfully. At the yoga place we gently guide you through the first 5 steps with focus on Asana and Pranayama in the regular group classes and workshops. During the longer retreats and holidays we also linger on Pratyahara. Whether you are a private person wanting to exercise, a mom to be, a seeker, a person with physical or mental ailments or a corporate firm whishing for its employees to deal better with stress we have the right program for you.