English Through Yoga:

Yoga is relatively new to Modern Japan. This newness and the many difficult postures shown in yoga books and videos can make the idea of practicing yoga very intimidating. The reality is that yoga is not about all those difficult inversions and pretzel twists we frequently see and read about in many popular magazines. Yoga is far more simplistic than that. Through 3in1 Yoga, we hope to remove the fear and replace it with a strong sense of enjoyment as we explore the most basic popular positions practiced today. Why Yoga? Yoga is a wonderful practice for those looking to improve their physical and spiritual well-being, increase their self-esteem, and find a place of gentle inner peace. This is achieved through a series of yoga asanas (postures) that promote conscious awareness of the body and mind. When practiced, these postures allow each practitioner to awaken a stronger more confident self. Why this workshop? 3in1 Yoga is a unique experience that combines a basic introduction to Ashtanga yoga, including warm-ups poses and several popular poses, with English instruction. The workshop is specifically designed for Japanese who are first time and beginner yoga practitioners who wish to learn about the basic postures, and the benefits of simple breathing techniques and meditation. The workshop offers the added bonus of basic English language instruction for those who wish to improve and practice their English. What will be taught? In our workshop, we will discuss the three most important elements of our yoga practice: breathing, intention and meditation. We will explore and practice several warm-up routines and explore various asanas (poses or postures) individually. Some of the language will be new, so handouts will be given to help with the English-Japanese vocabulary terms most likely used in any yoga class and practice.  How will the class be presented? All instruction will be presented in English using visual reinforcement to help the students understand new vocabulary and concepts. Together, we will explore how our Yoga practice will benefit us physically and spiritually, and how through our yoga practice we will become more confident and less judgmental. This confidence, cultivated by an increased sense of self and a healthier physical body gained through our yoga practice, will help us be more open and daring in our everyday lives, even with our communication skills in English. Most of all, a routine Yoga practice will bring a deep sense of inner joy and balance that will carry us through the day.