What is Yoga?

Yoga is a holistic (whole) approach to feeling good physically, emotionally and spiritually. Yoga has a philosophical approach to achieving a balanced lifestyle by following the eight limbs (steps) of Patanjali's Yoga of Sutras book.

Yoga is about a whole lifestyle including:

  • Philosophy (why do yoga?)
  • Yogic lifestyle (how to balance your life)
  • Anatomy (the physical body)
  • Relaxation & meditation

    It is up to each individual which path is best as we all are unique with different personal needs.

    What is Deaf Yoga?

    As Karli is Deaf, she provides yoga for Deaf and hard of hearing people but hearing people who want to learn Auslan or are proficient at it are also welcome. Historically and still today, Deaf people enjoy meeting together to share a common language, Auslan, and celebrate Deaf culture, for example Deaf theatre or Deaf sports. Yoga is another area, a common interest, for Deaf people meet to learn and practice yoga in Auslan settings that is accessible. Yoga can be modified and adapted for Deaf people who are visually orientated. For example, there is no need to close eyes or have the music on during meditation.

    For hearing teachers who want to teach Deaf people: It is important that you learn Auslan fluently and immerse into the Deaf community. It make take a few years to feel a part of the Deaf community. It is like learning a new language in a new country. Please feel free to contact Karli for more information.

    The Deaf yoga sign logo (please see right logo) was created to explain the concept of joining the mind, body and spirit into one to find bliss (in other words, balanced).

    What does Yoga mean to Karli? Click here.

    What are the benefits of yoga?

    Practising asanas (postures/exercises) in yoga includes:

  • stretching, lengthening and strengthening muscles and improved body tone
  • loosening and lubricating joints
  • massaging of your endocrine (glands) system to secrete and regulate hormones
  • breathing correctly
  • increases flexiblity and stamina
  • improved vitality and wellbeing
  • release from tension and emotional blocks
  • improved sleep and ability to relax

    • A national survey in Australia was done recently and it found yoga reduces stress and depression as well relief from some chronic conditions. 2006 RMIT Australia-wide yoga survey website

    Karli wanted to know if yoga is also having a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing in the Australian Deaf Community. She conducted a survey in 2009 and the data results showed participants rated themselves as noticing an improvement in all categories ranging from mental health to respiratory, muscoskeletal and gastrointestinal functioning. See survey for more information.