Now more than ever people are wanting to get in shape and stay in shape, and not just physically, but mentally as well. Perhaps there is no better way to achieve that than to get involved in the ancient practice of yoga.
Originating in India, yoga enthusiasts worldwide have been mastering the art for centuries. Here on the Northside, a group of inner peace-seeking women have been taking part in a yoga class aimed at making them feel better, both inside and out.
Maureen Murphy lives in Sydney Mines and she heads the recreational yoga class. The wife, mother and grandmother said she has been involved in yoga for almost 20 years and still looks forward to taking part. “I took a class at the YMCA in Sydney in 2000 and I was instantly hooked. I loved how good it made me feel and I really liked that it wasn’t just good for me on a physical level, it made me feel so much better mentally as well.”
Murphy said the “Our Yoga” class in North Sydney is comprised of a group of women who simply what to practise yoga. She said members look forward to attending regular sessions. “At any time we can have from five to 15 or more people join in on the class. We gather three times a week and people can come all three days or just one day a week if they choose to.”
Brenda McNeil attends “Our Yoga” as often as she can and she said for her it is a wonderful way to stay connected, not just to an exercise program, but to people within the community as well. “I think yoga is an overall great practice to be a part of. It is not just about being physically active, it is about keeping your mind engaged as well. I really like being a part of the class, it is a lot of fun and it gives me the chance to spend time with people who share the same interest as I do.”
McNeil said she appreciates the fact that she receives excellent instruction. “Maureen is a great instructor, she knows how to bring the best out in us and we always leave the class feeling like we have just had a great experience.”
Murphy said there is a definite interest on the Northside for people who want to get involved in yoga. “There are a few other great yoga classes being offered here, but there is a huge interest and I am happy that I am able to help fill at least some of the need.”
As instructor, Murphy said she takes into consideration the needs of all of the people in the class and their level of experience. “I try to make my class adaptable for everyone. People have various levels of skill and I like to make sure everyone in the class is working at a comfortable pace.”
Practising safe yoga is of the utmost importance to Murphy and she said she is careful to keep a close eye on each of the participants to make certain they are performing the moves correctly. “I want everyone to get the most out of every class so if I see they may need a little help with a move I will address that with them individually. It is important that people are doing the moves safely.”
For participants of “Our Yoga” it is not just about the physicality of the program, it is about the overall experience. “I can honestly say that being a part of the class allows me to be at my best. The peaceful nature of the movement gets us in touch with not just our body, but it does wonderful things for our mind as well, it has a calming effect,” explained Murphy.
When asked what she would tell people who would like to give yoga a try but think they can’t master the moves, Murphy said just about anyone can get involved. “Anyone that is interested but thinks they can't do the poses should sign up for a beginner class. They will quickly realize that they too can master the movement.”
”Our Yoga” is offered every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the basement of St. John the Baptist Anglican Church in North Sydney beginning at 10 am. New members are always welcome and a nominal fee is charged.
Sherry Mulley MacDonald is an author and freelance journalist. She is a lifelong resident of the Northside with a fondness for the community in which she lives. If you or someone you know has an interesting story to tell please contact [email protected].
