About Calma Yoga
Calma Yoga has transported yoga from church halls to an inviting, Balinese studio of timber, stone and bamboo within a rainforest. This calming atmosphere provides the right environment to stretch, relax, and enjoy some personal time.
Stepping onto the timber boardwalk, in the evening with twinkling stars and garden lighting to guide you, or daylight, crossing a dry stone creek bed and passing tall bamboo in an Asian garden, you know you have come to the right place and will want to return again and again.
Walking up lava stone steps and entering through antique Indonesian doors you’re greeted by a smiling Buddha and flowing water. Your senses are awakened by exotic incense, flickering candles and soothing music. Having walked into an experience for all your senses, your body and mind relax and your spirit soars. You feel encouraged that making time for yoga maybe the best thing you have ever done.
Calma Yoga is set on 10 secluded acres in leafy Pullenvale in Brisbane's western suburbs. It is owned and operated by Kathryn, an accredited yoga teacher with The Australasian Yoga Institute.
About Yoga
“Hatha” yoga is the type of yoga that is most widely practised in the West, - when Westerners refer to “yoga” they usually mean Hatha. Many people think of yoga only as its various physical postures, but traditionally it is the stilling of the mind.
On a physical level it strengthens, stretches and tones muscle and body, promotes flexibility and good posture. For the mind, it improves memory and concentration, sharpens awareness and steadies emotions, increases the feeling of well-being and balance.
Anyone can practice yoga, no matter age, fitness level or weight. People take up yoga for different reasons, but whether it is to reduce stress or tone up your body yoga will help you achieve physical vitality, mental serenity and the opportunity for self-discipline and self-development.
If you start your yoga journey with a restless body and a hyperactive mind that is difficult to settle, the appropriate practice will work out physical tensions and calm both mind and emotions. If you start with a dull, lethargic body and mind the right practice will bring back a sense of vitality to your body, refresh your mind and give you a sense of peace.
There are many different styles of Hatha Yoga, each developed with specific purposes or aspects in mind. For example Iyengar, developed by BKS Iyengar, focusing on body alignment in the postures; Ashtanga, founded by Pattabhi Jois, is an energetic flow of set postures focusing on muscle strength and core stability and strength and Bikram, created by Bikram Choudury, is taught in rooms heated to more than 39 degrees, focusing on stretching and purifying the body. All have the commonality of the postures.
I describe my style of Hatha yoga as a “classic blend” of yoga. It is a style which does not follow one strict method or consistent routine of postures, but is a combination of elements from various different styles and it generally appeals to everybody. I focus on body and breath awareness and mind control and concentration. I suggest to students who are new to yoga that they should choose the style of Hatha yoga that most appeals to them, that will be most beneficial to their emotional and physical needs.
Also consider the teacher’s style of teaching and the environment in which they are being taught. I advise to “shop around” and try a few different teachers/classes until they find the one which gives them what they are looking for, then make the commitment and start a regular practice to gain the most benefits.