Although modern Yoga has many facets and a diversity of practices, the main principle of Yoga incorporates mindful movement and the integration of the seeming different spheres of the human system, namely body and mind, through the means of breath.

Similar to Ayurveda, the ancient and modern practices learned under the name of Yoga aim at restoring a sense of ease to the human system which enables one to perceive life in a different way, ideally from an experience of freedom in both body and mind.

In order to accomplish this task, Yoga utilises different forms of movement, either dynamic or static, to remove the sensations of blockages from the body, as well as to unknot the patterns of stress generated through repetitive unhealthy modes of living. In addition to this, the development of attention in practice can be further translated to other spheres of life, leading to greater sensibility and focus, with a counterpart of less attachment to unwanted thoughts.

In combination with the body, Yoga has developed a large number of breathing practices, which were known from ancient times to be a direct way to alter the mind of the practitioner. We know that the breath is closely related to the nervous system, so any alteration in one would lead to some change in the other. With these practical perceptions, the development of the breath in movement or as a meditative practice can lead to positive changes in behaviour, self-perception, and personality.

A third element of Yoga is meditation, a broad term for practices that work directly with the mind, in order to promote a sense of self knowledge, the development of different traits, and the pacification of the whole human system via the nourishment of good thoughts, feelings, and views.

We are aware that sometimes in the modern world the practices of Yoga tend to be more limited to one or other aspect, in general the body and many times with an “athletic” flavour to it. We believe that it would be more beneficial to work with all three spheres, so that the complete picture of Yoga can be formed, as it was in ancient times.

To enhance your experience even further, we regularly hold talks and discussions with our teachers and invite speakers such as Buddhist monks, who can help clarify points on philosophy and practice. In essence, we hope to give a fuller picture of the richness of the yogic and meditative traditions of the past including practice as well as theory.

For those who have never experienced Yoga or meditation, at Plantation Villa nothing is classified as for “advanced” or “beginners”, but every practice has its purpose and universal utility, even to be just mindful of the breathing while sitting. Our teachers aim at being adaptable without restricting themselves to any specific view, allowing for a sense of fluidity according to the needs of the individuals or group. If you have extensive experience with Yoga, we can provide a different direction to another point of practice, one that might have been shadowed by the emphasis on some isolated aspect of Yoga. Overall, everyone can ideally leave with something to be thought of and practiced when back home!