Three thousand years ago, the sage Patanjali described the science and art of yoga in his book, ‘The Yoga Sutras’. The book begins with the phrase ‘Chittavritti niruddha’, which translates as ‘controlling the thought waves or mental fluctuations which bring about stress’.

 The stress of  modern living, the ordinary events of daily life which cause inner turmoil, have not changed in three millennia – injury and disease, insecurity, anger, sudden change, concern for those we love, grief.

BKS Iyengar describes yoga as not only the most effective but also the most natural therapy for stress. We know that stress is the cause of many chronic, non-specific symptoms in the mind and the body. We can quickly notice the benefits of regular practice on our bodies, but the effect on the mind takes longer to register because yoga is dealing with the causes, not just the symptoms. The restless mind, once taught to draw inward, becomes calmer. And this is the quiet space I want to help others to reach.

For books about the Iyengars, their teaching and practice, click HERE. I particularly recommend the book ‘Yoga Wisdom and Practice’ by BKS Iyengar.

Click on the picture above for a selection of short films about yoga!