Bringing the tranquillity, harmony of yoga to all corners of the island
Access to the teachings and virtues of yoga on St. Maarten has been greatly improved with the addition of nine newly qualified yoga instructors, who graduated from Inner Harmony Institute and Wellness Centre recently. They are expected to infuse yoga in many walks of life across both sides of the island.
Course facilitator and head of the yoga institute Peter Amato said he is very pleased with the group of new instructors, which happens to be the first batch of the yoga institute St. Maarten branch. These new instructors, who he said are now internationally recognised, are Clara Reyes, Michelle Bowers, Dominique Noire, Wendy Fasten, Wendy Leone, Zulayka Peterson, Clarisse Lauga, Hank de Vries and Elisabeth Hofstede.
Yoga is such an intrinsic way of life for the practitioner, Peter Amato said, emphasising that most of the new instructors came from varying backgrounds and all learned the same principles in different ways using the mind, body and spirit. He said the five-month course in Kundalini Yoga merges Hatha and Raja Yoga. The goal is inward focus and meditative awareness, while using the physical body as the vehicle to achieve.
Practitioners call Kundalini yoga the yoga of awareness because they claim it directly affects human consciousness, develops intuition, increases self knowledge and unleashes the unlimited creative potential that exists within every human being.
Kundalini Yoga has been described as an active approach to awaken the kundalini contrasting with a passive approach. Active asana-based exercises, pranayama and meditation are undertaken to build the nervous system, glands and mental faculties, to integrate the release of kundalini energy and balance the energy of the chakras.
The course included topics such as yoga techniques, training and practice; teaching methodology; anatomy and physiology; yoga philosophy, lifestyles and ethics and practicum including teaching, receiving and giving feedback, assisting and observing.
One of the new instructors, Michelle Bowers, who is a physical therapist and has practised yoga for nine years, said she initially did the course as a part of her personal enrichment plan. However, as she immersed herself into the programme, she realised the wider benefits in other aspects of her life. She said when persons think of yoga, they think of exercise, but this course offers more insight into the all-round aspects of yoga, "It made an impact on my whole life from my interaction with fellow human beings to what I put in my body food-wise."
Milton Peters College teacher Hank de Vries said the course was a "spiritual journey in itself." He said he was not planning to become a yoga instructor; however, his plans are now, to look into the possibilities of taking yoga to persons who are struggling in underprivileged situations. "We should share the treasures we have learned here," he added.
Dance instructor and high school teacher Clara Reyers said she had always wanted to pursue an in-depth yoga course, however, in the past that meant going off to some far off exotic place to learn yoga. "This (yoga course) is a life altering experience," she declared, particularly happy with the meditational aspect of the course. "I always apply the physical aspect in dance." She added that now she is able to use the postures as a vehicle to deeper meditation.
French side school teacher Clarisse Lauga said the course has taught her a lot about herself: "It has had a good impact on all of us and a lot for me spiritually. It has changed the way I react to people in my life." Yoga taught her how to be a better person to others: "All of us might not go out and teach yoga, but it will impact the way we relate to other people in a positive way, in an amazing way...the way of being calm, patient, compassionate and loving. This is just the beginning; with this certificate, I have a licence to learn."
Amato has been visiting St. Maarten for the last 33 years and has decided to make this island his home. "I see the need for yoga here in St. Maarten especially with the rising level of crime. Yoga makes a positive influence and Inner Harmony is ready to provide for this need." With more people teaching yoga and more people practicing yoga, everybody on the island can experience the good influence yoga has to offer. He said the next instructors' course is planned for January 2012.
Inner Harmony Yoga School and Studio, located in Cole Bay opposite Simpson Bay Yacht Club and above Teriyaki restaurant, also offers daily yoga classes. For more information, visit innerharmonywellness.com or call Dutch: (00 599) 581-2480 or French: (00 590 690) 22-34-05.
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