what is yoga?

Yoga is an ancient way of life. Thousands of years ago, the practice of yoga would have been taught my word of mouth, myths and stories passed from teacher to student with the ultimate aim of reaching enlightenment or bliss, Samadhi. Yoga first came to the western world in the 1960s and has adapted over those years to include many types of yoga such as; Ashtanga, Rocket, Vinyasa Flow, Restorative & Yin Yoga. In the west, yoga is mainly seen as a form of exercise, where we stretch and strengthen the body. Through the connection of the mind, the body and the breath, yoga can teach us about how our bodies feel, what we are capable of and those lessons can be taken into our every day lives.

do I need to be bendy to practice yoga?

Yoga is for everyone. There is no ‘black belt’ of yoga. A yoga practice is a very personal experience, learning to listen to your body and working within your own safe limits naturally leads to changes over time.

where did the name my oke yoga come from?

I am a Dorset girl, although I have not always lived in Dorset, I moved back in 2006. Our home is in an area of North Dorset known as The Three Okefords. Oke is the old English spelling of oak. The Blackmore Forest was mainly oak trees, mostly cleared in the 13th century. ‘mighty oaks from little acorns grow’ (Geoffrey Chaucer - Troilus and Criseyde, 1374).

where are your regular term time classes?

I teach in North Dorset. My classes take place in Blandford and also the villages outside of the town. Have a look at the classes page for the latest classes.

where are your treat days?

Most of my yoga ‘treat days’ take place at my home in North Dorset, a calm and beautiful setting.

do I need a mat for yoga?

If you have a mat, please bring one. If you regularly practice yoga or think that you might start, a good non slip yoga mat of your own is a good investment. If you don’t have a mat, don’t worry, I always carry spares with me.

do you do hen do yoga?

Yes I do. They are a wonderful addition to your hen do. I offer a class tailored to the number of hens, their experience in yoga, along with the location and time of year.

can you teach on my retreat?

If you are organising your own retreat, I’d be very happy to talk to you about my availability. I can tailor my classes to suit your guests and their experience. Please email me charlotte@myokeyoga.co.uk

do you do private yoga lessons?

Yes I do, a one to one, or two to one practice, can be a rewarding and helpful. Private yoga lessons can take place in my yoga studio at home, or outside in the garden if the weather is good, or at your home. Get in touch to ask any questions.

what is sanskrit?

Sanskrit is an ancient language of Hinduism. It is an Indo-European language that originated in South Asia between 1500-600 BCE. It is the language sometimes used for yoga poses, breathing practices and is the language used in Patanjalis Yoga Sutras.

how old is yoga?

Yoga is ancient. The origins can be traced back 5000 years to the sacred texts the Rig Veda. Traditional yoga would not have involved poses, the asana are a more modern addition.