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Good morning everyone! I hope you enjoyed part 1 of my Yoga Terminology Column!
As promised, here is part 2!
1. Prana / Pranayama - Prana is a term used to describe the 'life force' or 'energy' contained within our bodies. It is similar to the terms 'Qi' or 'Chi' in Chinese culture, and 'Ki' in Japanese culture.
Pranayama literally translates as 'life force extension' and refers to a number of breathing exercises contained within Yoga practice, which focus on tuning in and becoming mindful of our breath and then controlling it. This could include a number of different methods, including forced inhalation and exhalation, or breath holding.
2. Yogi - A Yogi is simply a practitioner of yoga. If you are reading this column it is more than likely that you yourself are a Yogi!
3. Namaste - You may have heard your Yoga instructor say this at the end of your Yoga class and thought to yourself 'Nama-what!? What on earth does that mean!?'
The literal meaning of Namaste in Sanskrit is 'the divine and the self are the same in me and in you', often translated as 'the divine in me bows to the divine in you'. But in the West it is often just used in place of 'hello' or 'goodbye' at the beginning or end of a Yoga class! Whether this is the correct interpretation of the word is for you to decide...
Thank you and have a peaceful day everyone!
David
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I am a highly experienced professional English teacher, Yoga Instructor, Nutrition Consultant and Personal Trainer from London, UK. I recently left London to work and travel around Japan on a Working Holiday Visa with my girlfriend Ashley (who is also a teacher on Cafetalk).
Please check out my lessons if you are interested in learning real, authentic British English, or have an interest in Yoga, Tai Chi or general health and fitness.
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