FAQ & Contact Us

Yoga is about energy for life. A great deal of life energy is lost to us because we are not aware of ourselves. The most practical way to boost our energy for life is to become aware of our bodies and how they move and function. As we become present and engaged with our bodies we become aware of the thoughts and judgements that affect the quality of our actions. Halting negative thoughts is a powerful practice that will allow space for health giving thoughts to emerge. Life wants us to be happy.. we don't have to work at happiness. It is part of us. The work is in restraining the thoughts and actions that get in the way of peace and happiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called 'classical yoga' ?
Classical yoga works with the body as an instrument of meditation.  The primary intention is to affect the state of mind. Students learn, study and practice asana (postures).  These are different "modes of practice". A Mode of practice is like a lens that a photographer might use.  Working with the different lenses over a long period of time teaches people to meditate within action. This type of practice also ensures the body learns how to work safely in postures to get maximum stability and improvement in organ function.  The postures in each class are sequenced to bring the nervous system to balance.  Students feel calm and nourished; they sleep better and have more energy.

What should I wear?
Elastic waist pants: either shorts or tights. Tights must fit the legs firmly so that knee and ankle joints can be seen clearly. Wear a T’shirt or singlet that is close fitting so that it does not flap about. No midrift shirts thank you. The shorts that teachers wear are a pattern from India which allow easy movement of legs and rather than tights these shorts make it easier to feel the skin and structure of the leg muscle. You can find places online that sell them as "pune shorts" (Pune is where our yoga institute is located in India)

Do I need to bring anything?
All of our stuidos are fully equipped including mats, blankets, bolsters, belts and blocks. 

Can I buy equipment from the school?
We recommend you purchase equipment from Iyogaprops.com.au

Can I practice yoga when I am pregnant?
Yes though if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant contact the school for advice on what class times will be most suitable for you to attend.

Do I eat before coming to class?
It is best not to eat for between 2 and 3 hours before yoga practice. There are some asana like the twisting poses that will make you feel nauseous if you eat before doing them. Additionally the digestive process draws energy away from the functioning of the arms and legs so if you make the arms and legs work just after eating the digestive process is less effective. The effects of asana practice upon the systems of the body are more profound when we practice on an empty stomach.

What is asana?
Asana is a Sanskrit word that means posture. The postures work upon the physical body to massage glands, organs and to stimulate circulation, improve the nervous system, strengthen bones, release tight muscles and to bring stability and balance. Asana is one of the 8 disciplines of Yoga. Asana, Pranayama and Pratyahara are 3 of the 8 disciplines that together comprise the means of achieving the outcome of Yoga, which is inner peace through wisdom and understanding. At our school students learn, study and practice asana to integrate these 3 disciplines.

Can I attend if I have an injury or illness?
Yes. Depending on your situation most often an introductory level class will be be okay, however we also conduct remedial private assessments and private classes for people living with injury, illness and/or chronic pain. Down load a pamphlet here.  Yoga is not a substitute treatment for injury or illness. Yoga is an effective support to people with health complaints and injuries. Through a practice of yoga we learn to stay present to the conditions of the body and to respond with sensitivity to the presenting issues. This process is a profound support to us as we recover or live with serious injuries or conditions. 

What is the chant at the beginning of class?
Listen via this link  Guruji taught the teachers to chant the invocation to Patanjali before class to put the yogi in the right state of humility, reverence and openness. Geeta Iyengar says “We chant so that at the very beginning that feeling of sanctification comes from the inside, with the feeling of surrendering oneself, because nothing can be learned in this world unless you have the humility to learn”. The chant helps us do this.  In addition to acquiring humility and opening our consciousness to the words of the lesson, we chant the invocation out of respect for all the teachers of yoga from before Patanjali and for all the teachers who descended from him. We are honouring the wisdom of these many teachers. The chant helps us quiet our breath and calm our mind to smooth the path for absorbing the teaching in the class. So now you will understand the chant and it’s meaning the next time you attend class. Download pronunciation information and information about Patanjali and the chant. 

Why are there statues in the school, are they religious?
Yoga is not a religion.  Yoga is considered a 'state of being', an experience of living a life of purpose and peace.  There are different methods of practice.  When we use the body as the primary instrument, it is most commonly referred to as Hatha Yoga.  To a yogi, the process of acquiring knowledge and understanding (the function of cognition), is embodied.  That is, a yogi considers that it is through experience that we learn.  Through 'reflective awareness'  which requires that we discipline our mental activity,  we can change what it is that we pay attention to.  How, and to what, we pay attention to, changes our experience.  When we can steady our mind and notice a pause between the rise and fall of thought, we arrive, in that pause, into a natural state of wisdom. The appearance of statues for example the Shiva statue, is use of a symbol to cultivate perception and meaning.    

Listen here to writer Aldous Huxley (Brave New World, The Perennial Philosophy, The Doors of Perception, Island) describe  the "Dancing Shiva" image (Nataraj) of the Hindu tradition and its immense significance and comprehensiveness. This is from an interview with Mr. Huxley which was done in 1961 in London and was recorded and distributed under the title "Speaking Personally". 

Where is the best place to park?
At the Hervey Bay studio, we have 1 car park in front of the school and a large bicycle parking stand.    Please do not park in other parks during day time business hours as this makes life difficult for our business neighbours and us. Please be aware that during the day the car park can be very crowded and proves difficult to manoeuvre within. There is considerable onstreet parking within easy walking distance of the school.   

At the Woodgate Beach studio, we encourage people to car share or ride their bikes to keep traffic movements to a minium.  It is on street parking.  Bicycles can be wheeled in down the entrance path and parked at the end of the paved walk way. 

Contact Us