Yoga is not a form of exercise, it is a spiritual system and tradition that has been around for thousands of years. The word “yoga” translates into english as “union” - to oversimplify the spiritual practice of yoga is aimed at realization of the Self or self-realization and liberation from suffering (a big and incomplete oversimplification).  The poses or asanas that are commonplace in media are only represent a small portion of what yoga has to offer.

Hatha Yoga, the basis of modern postural yoga, has many benefits like physical fitness, stress reduction, and may result in“good vibes” but these benefits are not the central aim of yoga but a by-product of it’s practice.

Yoga’s origins are not in fitness culture, gymnastics, or contortion.  The ancient aims of this practice are spiritual in nature and not connected with any ideal of western fitness culture.  That being said, you can practice for whatever benefits you like - stress relief, unwinding muscular tension, building strength, more focus and concentration.

Although yoga has been shaped and attached to many different religions throughout its survival including Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, yoga is not a religious practice.

As a Western teacher not from the culture of yoga, my aim is always to honour this spiritual context and the cultures and people connected to it both as student and teacher.

All photography provided by Daniel Baylis