Yoga

Article courtesy of ABC of Yoga

Why practice Yoga?

Achieve a state of rejuvenation

In the midst of our modern world characterized by daily stress, fatigue, and pollution, more and more people are seeking that elusive sense of relaxation and inward awareness. Hailing from an ancient tradition originated in India, Yoga has long since provided people with a refuge away from the everyday confusion and entropy, and has transported an increasing number of people to a peaceful oasis within. Though the practice of Yoga is closely associated to ancient texts, beliefs, and values, it also yields benefits useful for people’s practical daily lives. Here are some reasons why more and more people are practicing Yoga:

• Yoga relaxes the body and the mind. Even in the midst of stressful environments, Yoga helps control breathing and clears the mind of cluttered thoughts, leaving only deep physical and mental refreshment.

• Yoga can help normalize body weight. For people who are either overweight or underweight, Yoga Exercises can help achieve the desired weight. The principles of balance and moderation in physical activity and diet under Yoga can also lead to a healthier lifestyle.

• Yoga improves your resistance to disease. The postures and movements in Yoga massage the internal organs, enhancing blood circulation and functionality, thus, lessening the risk of illness.

• Yoga increases your energy level and productivity. For as quick as 20 minutes, Yoga can replenish the mind and body with precious energy needed to respond to daily tasks and challenges.

• Yoga leads to genuine inner contentment and self-actualization. Meditation -one of the aspects of Yoga- focuses the mind, taking it away from the distractions of the highly-materialistic world and leading it to genuine happiness.

The lotus

Yoga may seem like the fabled elixir of life – a cure-all solution to man’s daily problems and concerns such as illness. But actually, the benefits that Yogis or Yoga practitioners have been experiencing for thousands of years are only being gradually proven by medical science now. Ready to seek an oasis from the chaotic desert of a day at work or in school?

Yoga classes offered in Brunei:

Seraphina Yoga Health and Fitness Center D’Music Motion Fitness Studio in Kiarong Complex – $65 for 8 classes (seraphinayoga.blogspot.com)

Zunic Wellness Plaza Athirah – $80 per month for unlimited Yoga and Pilates

Fitness Zone, Kiulap – please enquire for classes

Taurean Café: The Accidental Review and Ashtanga Yoga last night

Taurean Cafe, Gadong 4pm

Is it me or all of you felt annoyed with the electrical outage happening around Kiulap this past couple of days? After a hectic day, I crave for the Teh C Spesial from Fleur de Lys in Qlap Complex Mall. On my way there, I discovered that the whole Qlap Complex was compromised with no electricity at all. Cafés including Fleur de Lys and Au Lait, Jolibee, an increasingly expanding fast food chain were all closed for the day.

Annoyed – I came to the nearest cafe with electricity, Coffee Zone. Seems like everyone is flocking in the Coffee Zone. I have to say the electrical outage brings the cafe back to its heyday – where it was the place to be seen. Apparently, so much so, that there are no more seats left for me.

Disgruntled, I left my well positioned car parking and head off to the next Fleur de Lys branch in the quest for the Teh C Spesial. On a side note, my back and my fitness is improving although parts of my body (lower part of the body) is incredibly pathetic. I understand that its cause by muscle fatigue and it will heal in time. Its the how the body recondition itself and improve by synthesising more muscle to support the body for the next rigorous training.

All thanks to Ashtanga Yoga courtesy of Zunic Wellness. I have to admit I have a preconceived notion that Yoga is all humming and that meditation – practically easy that everyone can learn it in no time. You probably had guessed by now that this is so untrue. My first yoga session – it was all sweat and body strength. It does tests your core and how long can your body withstand the yoga positions. I vaguely remember the plank, Sun?, and that tree(?) pose, and amazed how my body’s ability to listen and follow such poses. Zunic Wellness is fund raising $5,000 for disabled people who require wheelchairs, so its $1 for day passes to join any classes including Pilates & Yoga and use the gym facilities. Do enquire Zunic Wellness, Plaza Athirah for these Soul Passes.

Zunic Wellness reception

Anyway, I’m sitting in Taurean Café, The Arch, a spontaneity after finding the Fleur de Lys in Kiarong is affected by the electrical outage. Surprisingly to my pleasure, they do make Teh C Spesial here, at a cheap price of $1.50, $2 less than offered at Fleur de Lys Café. The taste however differs from the usual, with Taurean Cafe serving normal Lipton, but the milk and the brown sugar at the bottom tastes exactly the same. It raises the question of whether I am paying too much for my usual tea in Fleur de Lys, what gives them the right to charge such exorbitant amount for a cup of tea which probably only costs less than $1 to make? Whatever the reason is, Fleur de Lys will still be in business – with expatriates flocking the café – a reminder of what’s on offered back in their home country.

Will I still take the 120 calories drink? But then again you probably would have guess the answer by now.

The signature drink, Teh C Spesial in Fleur de Lys costs $3.50, and still is the best Teh C so far.