Who we are
Many people today think about yoga as a form of gymnastics or sport. Asanas, or yoga postures has become a synonym for the entire yoga system. But yoga is much more than that! Yoga is one of the oldest known systems, probably the oldest, for achieving a spiritual awakening. This experience is defined by a sincere personality change and a radical alteration of once perception of life, usually induced by a belief in a Higher Power - an inner strength if you will.
Unfortunately, due to commercialization, the essence of yoga has been thinned down and many people never get to experience anything more than a bit more flexible back. We want to change that:
Here at the Yoga Community we want to teach you real yoga.
Founded by Felix Quist Møller who were born into a family of yogis and has been teaching yoga and mentored people for more than 18 years, this community welcomes everyone who wishes to take a deep dive into the infinite inner world of universal consciousness.
YOGA FOR THE PEOPLE
YOGA FOR THE PEOPLE
Deep dive!
The Eight Stages
The Eight Stages of yoga form a comprehensive framework for spiritual practice. The stages provide a systematic approach to purify the mind and body, cultivate self-awareness, and ultimately attain a spiritual awakening. Each stage builds upon the previous one, guiding practitioners towards deeper states of consciousness and inner peace. Yoga Community offers a mentorship program known as Yoga Path which guides the apprentice through these Eight Stages.
1. Universal laws
Ethical guidelines focusing on moral conduct and societal harmony, including principles like non-violence, truthfulness, and non-stealing.
Personal observances that cultivate self-discipline and inner strength, such as purity, contentment, and self-study.
2. Self purification
Physical postures designed to improve flexibility, strength, and balance, preparing the body for prolonged meditation.
3. Postures
4. Breath control
Breath control techniques that enhance the flow of vital energy and help regulate the mind.
5. Withdrawal
The practice of withdrawing the senses from external objects to focus inward and reduce distractions.
Concentration techniques that train the mind to focus on a single point or object.
6. Concentration
7. Meditation
Meditation, involving sustained, unbroken focus and contemplation, leading to a deeper state of awareness.
8. Liberation
The state of transcendental consciousness where the individual self merges with the universal consciousness, achieving ultimate union and enlightenment.
The Eight Values are the core values which the structure of the Yoga Community revolves around. They are not rules, but guidelines that create the framework of a healthy community where there is room for diversity and individual exploration while still making sure that we stick to our main purpose - to give yoga to the people.
The Eight Values
Our common welfare should come first, our personal processes are interlinked with the unity of our community.
1. UNITY
The ultimate authority in our community is love, expressed through the collective consciousness of our members.
2. Love
3. Growth
The only requirement for membership in Yoga Community is a desire for spiritual growth.
4. Autonomy
Each member is autonomous, except in matters affecting the community as a whole.
5. Purpose
Each circle has but one primary purpose, to create a space for its members to grow spiritually.
6. Volunteering
Yoga Community emphasizes volunteering as a part of the main structure.
7. Secularism
Yoga Community is not tied up to any religion, sect, institution or political ideology.
Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion - we do not agitate our way of life or try to force it upon others.
8. Attraction
Purpose
Yoga Community is an online platform that blends ancient yoga philosophies with a modern approach. We engage in practicing and teaching classic postures, breathing techniques, and meditations to enhance both physical and mental well-being. Moreover, we foster a supportive environment where members share their strengths, hopes, and experiences. This embodies the spiritual essence of our community, as we strive to cultivate the best version of ourselves. Central to this journey is the initiation of a mentorship, wherein individuals are guided towards achieving their physical, mental, and spiritual aspirations in life through a program known as the Yoga Path. Our ‘Why?’ is that we want to make classic yoga accessible to the people.
Classes
A crucial component of contemporary yoga involves physical training to enhance our bodies. Hence, we provide online classes covering postures, breathing techniques, and guided meditations. Our approach is inclusive, with teachers from different schools, backgrounds and styles of teaching. They may originate from anywhere and may even be recruited from within our own community.
Circles
Our community circles are virtual gatherings where we delve into our journey with the Yoga Path. These sessions adhere to a structured format, focusing on a designated topic related to the program and allowing space for personal reflections. Confidentiality is paramount during these meetings, fostering a safe environment for individuals to express their innermost thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. The concept of these circles draws inspiration from the Sanskrit term Sangha, signifying an authentic assembly. Such gatherings have been integral for millennia, manifesting in various forms across spiritual communities.
Mentorship
The concept of mentorship within the Yoga Community is a partnership between two practitioners, where one provides guidance to the other through the journey of the Yogic Path. Often likened to a spiritual life coach, the mentor assists the apprentice in navigating the program. This idea draws inspiration from the Guru tradition, which, contrary to popular belief, does not necessarily entail a figure with a large following. The term Guru stems from Gu, meaning darkness, and Ru, which means light. A Guru is therefore someone who leads others from darkness to enlightenment. While various terms describe this dynamic, we opt for ‘Mentor’ and ‘Apprentice’ to underscore the spiritual essence while avoiding religious associations, appealing to modern agnostics. Financial transactions between master and apprentice are not involved.
Voluntary Association
A cornerstone of the Yoga Community is voluntary service, offering members various opportunities to engage in fellowship through selfless acts. Inspired by the Sanskrit term Seva, which encapsulates the spirit of selfless service, members are encouraged to contribute in diverse ways, including their own initiatives. Engaging in volunteer work not only cultivates a strong sense of community but also upholds the principle of inclusivity by ensuring accessibility regardless of financial means.
Direct Democracy
In order to maintain a diverse and healthy community, we try to make as many executive decisions as possible by votes coming from members. Additionally we attempt to give the yoga teachers as much autonomy as possible, provided they adhere to the community guidelines known as the Eight Values. This also mean that our members from time to time will be asked to vote when we have important changes that will happen in the community.