It is an ancient discipline of physical, mental and philosophical practices which originated in South Asia—the word yoga is a Sanskrit word (classical language) that translates as ‘unite’—with the aim of unifying the mind and body with our inner and outer worlds.

On a physical level, yoga practice encompasses asana (body postures), pranayama (breath control) and dhyana (meditation) each offering many benefits. Asana strengthens muscles, improves stamina, increases flexibility and helps to release tension. Pranayama, breathing practices and meditation can be effective in reducing stress or anxiety and promote a sense of balance and calm. Yoga nidra, an accessible horizontal meditation which hovers on the edge of sleep and wakefulness, is deeply healing and restorative.

Yoga also invites us to explore how we relate to ourselves and those around us through the yamas (restraints) and niyamas (observances). These principles serve as an ethical foundation for living, such as the first yama, ahimsa (non-violence), which encourages compassion and the avoidance of harm in our thoughts, words, and actions.

People come to yoga for many different reasons, and there’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to approach it. Some are drawn to the physical practice, others to pranayama or meditation, and many enjoy a combination of these elements. The best way to understand what yoga can offer is to give it a try and let your practice unfold naturally—welcome home to yourself.