Introduction to Yoga Course in Ringwood: Moving Beyond the Physical

If you were to envisage yoga as a pie, modern yoga as it is commonly practised in the Western world would see the vast majority of that pie taken up by yoga postures (āsanas) and some breathwork (prāṇāyāma), with only a tiny sliver devoted to meditation or yoga philosophy.

Yet when we look back to the roots of yoga, the earliest descriptions define yoga not as a physical practice, but as the stilling of the mind:

Yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ (Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtra, 1.2)

In this context, āsanas (postures) were originally intended to support the body in finding a steady, comfortable seated position, making meditation possible rather than being an end in themselves.

In modern Western yoga, the focus often rests on the physical benefits of the practice — strength, flexibility and mobility. While these benefits are valuable, yoga has far more to offer. My six-week Introduction to Yoga course in Ringwood, New Forest explores yoga in its broader and more holistic sense, gently introducing elements of yoga philosophy alongside helping people to develop their physical practice.

This Introduction to Yoga course in Ringwood is designed for those who want to explore the physical elements of yoga as well as beginning to develop a deeper understanding of yoga's cultural roots.

Why Understanding The Culture of Yoga Matters

One of the criticisms of how yoga is practised in the Western world is that it can sometimes drift into cultural appropriation. Yoga, as it is often presented in the West, may adopt and commercialise elements of traditional yoga practice — symbols, language and rituals — without a full understanding of their cultural, philosophical and spiritual significance within Indian tradition.

A common example is the widespread commercialisation of the sacred symbol Oṃ. It is now frequently seen on jewellery, clothing and tattoos, yet Oṃ is not merely decorative; it is a sacred sound and symbol that carries deep spiritual meaning. When sacred elements such as Oṃ are used, they deserve to be approached with knowledge, care and reverence.

What You’ll Learn in the Six-Week Introduction to Yoga Course

My six-week Introduction to Yoga course is designed to support a more informed, respectful and holistic approach to yoga practice. The course focuses on building participants’ confidence and understanding of yoga āsanas (postures), supporting the development of strength, flexibility and embodied awareness.

Alongside physical practice, we will explore prāṇāyāma (breathwork), meditation and mindfulness techniques aimed at improving focus and supporting the regulation of stress and anxiety.

The course also introduces come key concepts of yoga philosophy, creating space to explore how ancient yogic wisdom can be meaningfully applied within the context of modern life. Yoga is not simply a physical practice; it is a way of cultivating awareness, ethical living and connection — both on and off the mat.

Why Choose My Introduction to Yoga Course in Ringwood?

This is a six-week, in-person Introduction to Yoga course in Ringwood, New Forest. It is suitable for those who are new to yoga, as well as for those who wish to revisit the foundations of their practice and begin to develop an understanding of yoga beyond the physical.

The course offers an opportunity to slow down, ask deeper questions and reconnect with yoga as a holistic practice — one that extends far beyond the mat.

The course will offer:

• A respectful, informed approach to yoga

• Opportunities to develop your physical practice

• Awareness of yoga in all its forms

• Space for reflection and questions

  
  

You can book your place via this link or via my website www.stephcarolanyoga.co.uk