Classical yoga – the way of meditation
Classical Yoga
The practice of classical Yoga is timeless, teaching us to stay present and aware in a fast-paced world. Yoga connects body, mind, and spirit, guiding us from the outer to the inner. It begins with a peaceful attitude toward oneself and others, followed by asanas to release tension and allow energy to flow. Breathing exercises, relaxation, and meditation complete the practice.
In classical Yoga, physical exercises are not the main focus—the goal is silent meditation. The techniques of the eight limbs, as described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutra, prepare practitioners for this. Ashta means eight, anga means limbs: together they form the path to unity and harmony. Yoga is both the path and the goal.
The eight limbs of yoga are: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. Usually, six limbs are practiced simultaneously, with the last two resulting from regular practice.
Yama are recommendations for dealing with oneself and the environment, while Niyama describes personal discipline and inner attitude. Asana refers to meditation posture and body postures, Pranayama to breathing exercises that control prana, the life energy. Since breathing is considered the gross form of prana, one learns to control it consciously.
Pratyahara means to withdraw the senses inward and calm the mind—a step from the outer to the inner world. Dharana is concentration, e.g., on the breath. As this deepens, dhyana (meditation) and finally samadhi, the superconscious state of fusion, arise.
Meditation
Meditation is the natural state of man. There are many reasons why people want to get acquainted with this practice. Meditation can help us experience relaxation and calm. Through concentration and mindfulness, thoughts calm down. This stillness of thought is a state that can allow us to experience our innermost being. Difficult life situations can be viewed more clearly and relaxed, as we are not so attached to the events of life. It is a way to deal more intensively with oneself and one’s own life.
We will practice guided meditations and meditations in silence.
In meditation we practice being aware and mindful. The mind is integrated in the present moment. As thoughts quiet, the mind becomes clear. The effects range from serenity, clarity, empathy to centeredness and spiritual insights as well as mystical experiences.
Nature Connection & Mindfulness Based Nature Experience
As a nature pedagogue, I combine Yoga with nature in a holistic approach that moves from the physical to the spiritual and subtle. Rooted in South Asia’s forest and mountain traditions, my work is based on nature education and Patanjali’s system of Yoga. Nature becomes both teacher and mirror, helping us recognize our own nature and experience wholeness and connection with existence.
Forest bathing, hikes to places of power, and the therapeutic effects of nature support this process. Special emphasis is placed on breath work: in pure air, yogic and shamanic techniques calm body and mind, bringing balance and vitality. Nature not only strengthens the practice but also provides a relaxed space for consultation and reflection.
In my work, forest, mountain and coastal landscapes are visited in particular. Scientific studies prove that forest bathing has a healing effect on people. It is also no coincidence that many spiritual paths of mankind have emerged mainly in forest and mountain regions. The mountains are meditating giants that speak deeply to the core of our being. The mountains have a calming effect on us and can thus decelerate us.
The view from a peak does not only visually change the view of life. Problems of human life seem smaller and not so overwhelming. These landscapes are particularly well suited for working with Yoga in nature. A person can energetically upgrade his body so that he gains more strength, stamina and health. These qualities help the practitioner in his development and in the pursuit of self-realization, as he or she has the conditions to immerse himself in meditation and experience peace.
“Through the outer nature we can experience our inner nature.”