What is Viveka Yoga?
I teach a traditional style of yoga. I was fortunate to do my yoga training (over 500 hours) at Agama Yoga Centre with Barbara Brian. Barbara learnt directly from TKV Desikachar, who learnt from his father, the much honoured, T. Krishnamacharya.
I chose the name ‘Viveka’ yoga because the quality of ‘viveka’, which in Sanskrit means discernment or clear mindedness, has been important for me personally.
Without discernment one tends to be more judging and likely to act hastily. Hasty action is often based on pre-conceptions driven by fear, insecurity and ignorance … So terribly unproductive! With discernment come greater awareness, more openness and better choices.
Discernment is very important to physical (asana) practice too. It assists us to care for our bodies and avoid overstraining. Over time, with the guidance of a trained teacher, we develop greater body awareness and can manage the demands of each posture, balancing feelings of stability, control and easefulness.
An important part of my yoga teacher training involved a study of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. The Yoga Sutras are aphorisms which define and describe yoga and offer advice on how to live. In the Yoga Sutras ‘viveka’ is said to help us achieve clearer perception by stilling our hectic minds. (Patanjali is attributed with synthesising what was known about yoga at the time – 2nd or 3rd AD – as it had been developed and passed down over centuries.
My studies of the Yoga Sutra continue and I like to incorporate my learning into classes.
Everyone can do yoga.
About Louise
- I have a particular interest and expertise in gentle yoga for people who are more reticent about physical movement due to injury, lack of fitness or a perception that yoga is not for them. (I have undertaken a yoga workshop to teach ‘seniors’).
- Yoga practitioner for almost 30 years
- Yoga training (over 500 hours) in the honoured T. Krishnamacharya tradition – recognised by Yoga Australia.
- I love to teach and learn; to research and write and have worked in tertiary education and project management in the areas of law, social justice and environment.
- Other qualifications: Mother, Sister, friend, cook, music appreciation – BA.LLB., M Env Sci., Grad Cert Higher Ed., Cert IV Teaching and Assessment, Cert III Micro Business Operations
What can Viveka Yoga do for you?
Calm your mind
Reduce stress and anxiety. Sleep better. Feel more emotionally balanced and deal better with change.
Strengthen your back and lengthen your spine
Prevent back and spine problems. Promote back strength. Maintain alignment and reduce structural imbalance.
Assist you to breathe more easily
Breathing well is a primary contributor to good health and wellbeing.
Build your fitness & energy levels
Enhance strength, flexibility, increase blood flow and improve cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
