nirmala is a graduate of the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program at The Salt Spring Center for Yoga and is a currently embarking in Semperviva Yoga’s 500-hour advanced yoga training.
After practicing hatha yoga for 10 years, she realized that she wanted to share everything that she had learned on her journey with those around her. nirmala aims to meet her students “where they are at, in the present moment” and works with them to feel centered and present in each yoga asana. She loves to incorporate her pranayama practice into her class, as she understands that the breath is the essence of yoga.
what is the meaning of yoga?
The word Yoga comes from the Sankrit root “yuj”, which means to join or yoke. The joining or union refers to the individual consciousness with the universal Divine Consciousness.
Hatha Yoga – Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)
hatha yoga
The word Hatha is composed of the words “Ha” which means “sun, light, energy, positive” and “Tha” which means “moon, cool, reflective, negative”. In the word “Hatha” these opposites come together creating a balanced, powerful path of realization. The positive and negative terms also refer to the electrical charge of the body. Hatha yoga brings together these polarities, achieving balance and a feeling of being centered. It also allows us to confront our fears as well as our potentials by balancing attention between the body and the mind.
In a Hatha yoga class, the most basic asana (yoga postures) are practiced. It is suitable for every body, especially for beginners.
Click here for the benefits of a regular yoga practice.
kundalini yoga
Kundalini Yoga focuses on the kundalini energy located at the base of the spine (often referred to as a serpent as the word ‘Kundalini’ in sanskrit is translated to ‘coiled up’). Kundalini Yoga is known as the Yoga of Awareness, as it directly affects consciousness and awakens the full potential of human awareness in each person. The Kundalini energy often lays dormant. Dynamic movement, breath and chanting is used to help it awaken, and as it awakens, it moves through each of the seven chakras (the energy centres of the body) opening each one to its full potential. Once it reaches the crown chakra, also known as Sahasrara, we are connected to the Infinite, and realize enlightenment (Samadhi). The purpose is to reach our highest potential. What are the benefits of kundalini yoga?
restorative yoga
Restorative Yoga invites the body to deepen and relax into a restful state. Accompanied by props such as blankets, bolsters and blocks, each pose is held for a number of minutes, giving the body and mind an opportunity to rejuvenate and bringing the nervous system back to a place of equilibrium.
yin yoga
Yin Yoga works to a deeper level in the body than that of hatha, power or kundalini yoga. Most yoga asana’s target the muscles, however yin targets the connective tissues such as the joints, ligaments and bones. The poses are held from anywhere between 1 minute to 30 minutes. These long holds allow the body to go deeper.
prenatal yoga
Prenatal Yoga is a practice for pregnant mammas where the yoga poses and movements are adapted to fit the mamma’s changing body. Through the use of modified asanas, movement, breath work and chanting – these tools that will empower and prepare the mamma for childbirth and motherhood.
nirmala teaches hatha, kundalini, yin, restorative and prenatal yoga in Vancouver, BC. Click here for current classes.
