Introduction to 7oga

Welcome to the new website for 7oga. I’m Mark Robinson and I have had the pleasure of teaching Yoga in basingstoke for over 15 years.

I teach for the Sukha yoga club, a club that has been practising for over 40 years. While most of the faces have changed there are still a few that have many years of membership.

We practise Hatha Yoga. This form of Yoga is considered the root of many types of yoga as the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (a classic textbook) describes the practise.

So what can you expect in a class? this is one of the many questions that I am asked by those new to yoga. The answer is:

  1. a preparation of the mind
  2. a preparation of the body (Limbering)
  3. posture or Asana
  4. breath control or Pranayama
  5. meditation or relaxation

Each of these stages lead to the next, although they may sometimes be combined.

The last step, meditation is considered to difficult to be attempted without the former. Sometimes called Raja yoga or royal road meditation allows us to be still, calm and at peace. At one with our thoughts and the universe.

So why do we need the other steps? well if you have ever tried to stop the thoughts in the mind for any length of time well that is why. Our nature is to be thinking about what we need to do, where we are going. Life demands it. What we miss in our constant search for stimulation, personal growth is acceptance of who we are and respect for our own bodies.

4 Responses

  1. Hi I am interested in the Tuesday night yoga classes. I am a beginner and wondered if it’s suitable and whether you have space. Also do you need to bring your own equipment.

    • Hi Jenny,
      Thank you for your enquiry.
      After months without a suitable space we have found a new space in The Vyne community school, RG21 5PB.
      We are literally having our first proper class this week however at the moment we are “full” as we maintain social distancing. I would like to add you to our wait list if that is OK? Most members have committed to the new term but a couple were a little unsure. Of course once we decide that social distancing is no longer required we will have plenty of space.
      Let me assure you that for the moment we are well spaced and have good ventilation.
      You would need you have your own sticky mat , although I do carry a spare. Blocks, belts, bolsters kneeling pads are optional and depend upon your physical needs, again I carry these but you would need to clean them before use. So I would lend you one of my mats and we can assess what would be best for you or just nice to have.
      Hopefully we will be able to get back to you soon.

      regards, Mark

  2. Hi Mark,

    I am looking to join your yoga club if you could kindly add me to your waiting list? Is there a mobile number or Facebook page you can be contacted at, or is email ok? I am local to Basingstoke so would really enjoy connecting with people face to face rather than via online classes.

    Thanks very much

    Adele

    • Hi Adele,

      Sorry for the delay. I can offer you a position on the tuesday evening class as we have had one person drop out.
      I will email you with details!

      regards, Mark

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