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Yoga doesn’t judge. Yoga isn’t a form of religion. You don’t need your own mat, own 10 pairs of leggings, be between ages 18-35 or have any background knowledge to come to a yoga class.

Yoga is for everyone. It literally means ‘union’. Yoga is naturally inside each and every one of us.

One of the many beauties of the physical practice of yoga is that the postures are designed to support and sustain you, no matter how old or young, inflexible or supple you are. Fit or frail, you can safely come to your mat. Your mat is where you nurture your whole being!

In yoga we practice asanas (Sanskrit for ‘postures’). Every asana has its benefits, whether it is the Cat Stretch that strengthens your spine, or the Wind-Relieving Pose (you can guess what that one does) there’s a perfect potion for every pose.

As you progress in your practice of yoga, your understanding of the asanas becomes more sophisticated. Through developing a regular practice you will instinctively move from working on the external alignment to focusing on what is going on internally (in the mind, mostly) to eventually simply ‘being’ in the asana.

Put simply, the breath, body and the mind become intimate friends.

At ekam we’re firm believers that building a sustainable relationship with your self is the foundation of everything. Yoga can come in many different forms; and we want to help uncover what it means for you.

The Story Behind the Logo / ‘Om’

The Power of Three

We at ekam believe three is a mysterious and potent number. Three has frequented itself in classic mythology, fairy stories, religion, literature, architecture and most importantly – yoga.

In the latter form it represents itself as the vital trinity of body, mind and spirit.

This brings us nicely on to ‘Om’.

‘Om’ is the most sacred symbol in many Eastern philosophies and is made up of three audible sounds, A-U-M.

It is a mantra, or vibration often chanted at the beginning and end of a yoga class. ‘Om’ represents all creation, the sound of the universe.

The sound of the universe. What do we mean by that? Essentially, it is something we can all interpret in different ways. We are surrounded by it in our daily lives, but aren’t so accustomed to being aware of it. It can be found in the rustling of the autumn leaves, the waves rushing on to shore, or the wind blowing through the trees.

Somehow, the ancient yogis knew what scientists are telling us today – that the entire universe is moving, pulsating, creating a rhythmic vibration. The ancient yogis acknowledged this by creating the sound of ‘Om’.

Chanting ‘Om’ allows us to recognize our experience as a reflection of how the whole universe moves — the setting sun, the rising moon, the ebb and flow of the tides, the beating of our hearts. As we chant Om, it takes us for a ride on this universal movement, through our breath, our awareness, and our physical energy. Through this, we begin to sense a bigger connection that is both uplifting and soothing.

Many of us may be intimidated or fearful of chanting ‘Om’ the ‘right’ way. And that’s totally ok; take your time. Feeling the effect of the vibrations as others chant is just as effective. Another beautiful thing about ‘Om’, it doesn’t matter how loud, quiet, high or low – there is no right way. The effects are the same (and amazing, at that).

“You cannot do yoga. Yoga is your natural state. What you can do are yoga exercises, which may reveal to you where you are resisting your natural state.” ~ Sharon Gannon