Yoga is a philosophy of life, which also has the potential to create a vibrantly healthy body and mind is an ancient method of self-exploration and transformation helps integrate the male and female ha / the energies of the body. 

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Monika teaches yoga as a tool for practitioners to use in a safe form, both physically and mentally, whilst exploring a deep understanding of the yoga path. Her knowledge is based on Ashtanga yoga,  which for many people can seem too physically demanding. But Monika helps people to find their own way to practice it and strike a balance between a busy life and health. She also tries to help people to find a balance between the mystic aspect of yoga and everyday life and return to the source of their selves. She uses Yoga Chikitsa, which detoxifies and aligns the body, combining this with an Ayurvedic approach to help practice safely with balanced energy in the body and to 'open chakras' or to just simply help to discover and deal with the energy for daily life. Cleaning Nadi Shodhana (channels in body) purifies the nervous system by opening and clearing the energy channels. Integrating the strength and grace of the practice, requiring higher levels of flexibility and humility.

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ASHTANGA YOGA - Practiced in its correct sequential order, Ashtanga Yoga gradually leads the practitioner to rediscover his or her fullest potential on all levels of human consciousness - physical, psychological and spiritual. Through this practice of correct breathing (Ujjayi Pranayama), postures (asanas), and gazing point (driste), we gain control of the senses and a deep awareness of ourselves. By maintaining this discipline with regularity and devotion, one acquires steadiness of body and mind.

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"Astanga" literally means eight limbs. They are described by Patanjali as: Yama (abstinences), Niyama (observances), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (contemplation). These branches support each other. Asana practice must be established for proper practice of pranayama, and is a key to the development of the yamas and niyamas. Once these four externally oriented limbs are firmly rooted, the last four internally oriented limbs will spontaneously evolve over time.

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"Vinyasa" means breath synchronized movement. The breath is the heart of this discipline, and links asana to asana in a precise order. By synchronizing movement with breathing and practicing Mula and Uddiyana Bandhas (locks), an intense internal heat is produced. This heat purifies muscles and organs, expelling unwanted toxins as well as releasing beneficial hormones and minerals, which can nourish the body when the sweat is massaged back into the skin. The breath regulates the vinyasa and ensures efficient circulation of the blood. The result is a light, strong body.

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There are three groups of sequences in the Ashtanga system.

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Each level is to be fully developed before proceeding to the next, and the sequential order of asanas is to be meticulously followed. Each posture is a preparation for the next, developing the strength and balance required to move further.

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BREATH - The continuity of deep, even breathing cannot be overemphasized in the Astanga Yoga system. When breath feeds action, and action feeds posture, each movement becomes gentle, precise, and perfectly steady.

"Breath is Life". Breathing is our most fundamental and vital act and holds a divine essence; exhalation a movement towards God, and inhalation an inspiration from God. Our last action in life is to exhale, which, in essence is the final and total surrender to God.

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PRACTICE - It is said that where there is no effort there is no benefit. Strength, stamina and sweat are unique aspects of this traditional Yoga, seemingly contrary to Western perceptions of Yoga. This demanding practice requires considerable effort and taps into and circulates a vital energy throughout the body, strengthening and purifying the nervous system.

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The mind then becomes lucid, clear and precise; and according to Sri. K.Pattabhi Jois "Wherever you look you will see God."

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