Yoga classes with Zeynep Aksoy

Zeynep Aksoy teaches yoga in Godfrey Devereux's method. Since 1996 she has been with many teachers in the US, Europe and India. She recognizes Godfrey Deveruex's method as the most clear and complete approach to defining and practicing yoga.

What is Yoga?

Yoga is an inquiry into union. The word 'inquiry' implies a process, thus yoga is not a final place one arrives at or a state one achieves. It is possible to anybody at any age, any ability.

What is Union?

Union is a state of not-two, a place where judgement , categories, comparisons and conflicts drop. The habit of the mind is to function within dualism, this creates unrest. Beyond dualism, lies our true nature, at rest beyond me/other, life/death, wrong/right . Though apparent separation exists, likes and aversions continue, awareness does not identify with it. This state of union is familiar to us all and is a place we move in and out of. With a focused practice, we are able to witness our fluctuation in and out of this state. Watching the ebb and flow, the pendulum swinging, we recognize that the fluctuation of our awareness is not in our control. We relax.  In other words, yoga is not a method by which we change ourselves and gain control, quite the opposite, we begin to relax into our existence.

Why Postures?

The inquiry into the fluctuations of the mind is supported by the inquiry into the body. After all, where does the mind end and the body begin? During the yoga postures, the mind is focusing and the body-mind mechanism works in a different way to how it usually functions. Our habits begin to reveal themselves, enabling awareness to know this body-mind mechanism better, and perhaps allowing any unnecessary habits to drop. Yoga postures are never just about the body's shape. There is also an internal dynamic which allows the practitioner to witness any emotional or intellectual happening. This is the level where yoga is most effective. In other words, doing the postures while the awareness is not directed at the mind but on achievement may help one gain strength and flexibility, but is no different from an exercise. Yoga as a physical practice will not directly challenge our deeper mental tensions .

How to Practice the Postures?

According to Godfrey's method, there is a physical challenge as well as a mental challenge to the yoga postures. From a stable foundation, the body  lengthens and broadens. At the same time, the mind focuses on the central nervous system, relaxing the core and allowing the breath to be free. This method is taught by authorized teachers. See under 'teachers' at http://www.windfireyoga.com/

What is an Asana?

Yoga asana is the practice of the physical and mental aspect of yoga. In a photograph, one only sees the shape. Many yoga teachers today, are focused on describing the shape and breath of a posture, and then talk about the philosophy or lifestyle of a yogi, separating the two. if yoga were a shape, then gymnasts would be the best yogis. If yoga were a lifestyle and a philosophy, then there would be categories, judgement and more unrest. Yoga is not about being flexible or being a vegetarian. Yoga is an inquiry into union, the results being unique to every single individual. Yoga respects every persons lifestyle and experience as complete.

Zeynep has taught in New York, Ireland, India, and teaches workshops in English throughout Turkey. Zeynep founded the first yoga center, YogaSala,  in Istanbul in 2001, and went on to form Cihangir Yoga with her husband David Cornwell with the support of Godfrey Devereux. Please check www.cihangiryoga.com for schedules. Or email Zeynep at dinamikyoga@yahoo.com.