Yoga FAQ's

Q: Why do we chant before Yoga class?

A: Yoga means to unite. We use chanting as a way of coming together as a class at the beginning of our practice. It is also an opportunity to tune into your breath.

Q: I have stiff ankles. Each time we are on our knees in class they hurt. My teacher recommended that I use a stool instead of kneeling during seated postures. But isn't this a cop-out? I will never get more flexible if I don't push myself, right?

We have a funny view of the path towards growth in the west, this 'no pain, no gain' mentality, which is completely off from what we are trying to accomplish in Yoga Awareness classes. You...

Q: I have past injuries I am currently working with. Will Yoga help me to recover?

A: Yes, at the yoga therapy level. However, the open yoga class is not a group therapeutic class even though Yoga Awareness teachers are being trained with this awareness. Therefore, I often advise new students to work privately with me first if they have injury or uncertainty before I send them to an open yoga class. This establishes a strong foundation for teacher and student relationship. From here...

Q: Is there a Class attendance protocol ?

A: It is important that you are present for the entire duration of each Yoga class you take with us. Yoga classes are designed to take you through the process of yoga from the first Om till the final meditation. Chanting wakes up the body and focuses the mind. Asanas strengthen the body and further devolop mind body awareness and concentration. This portion is deliberately designed to maximize the benifits of asana practice and compensate each...

Q: How can Yoga help me to have a healthy pregnancy and an easy birth?

A: Yoga Awareness is the perfect place for you to prepare your body for birth and motherhood. 

Ted Surman, the director and main instructor of Yoga Awareness has 14 years of training in Viniyoga and Classical Raja Yoga and Ayurveda with world renowned experts. Including seven years of prenatal specialization. Ted teaches Yoga classes on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings at 8:30am. Each class...

Q: I can't make it to class !

A: There are many excuses for when you don't make it to Yoga class. Here's a list of 10 common excuses why students can't come. Read them and see if any resonates with you and then see if you can adjust your pattern to solve the problem. 

1. Too busy with work
2. No car.
3. No mat.
4. All my Yoga clothes are dirty.
5. I'll do it tomorrow.
6. My body hurts.
7. My mind is too scattered.
8. My partner keeps...

Q: Chanting helps me focus, what does it all mean? I really enjoy coming to Yoga classes at Yoga Awareness. The chanting we do at the beginning of class always helps me focus, and leads me into a more internal awareness. I was wondering though, what does it all mean? Do you have an English translation?

A: The 'Saha Na' chant is a non-sectarian and non-religous invocation that is typically chanted before every class starts. This in an invocation made between the Teacher and the Student...

Q: I've been coming to Yoga class regularly, and it's really had a profound effect on my life. What is the next step for me to deepen my practice of Yoga?

A: The group Yoga class is a preparation (purvangam) so that you are fit and ready for the Sadhana personal develop trainings or the Yoga Teacher trainings, if that is your dharma. 

Patanjali, the great sage who compiled Yoga from the Vedas between 2,000 - 2,500BC, says that a regular daily Yoga practice will give you the...

Q: Is there a difference between a RAJA yoga and an ASHTANGA yoga class? If so, what is it ?

A: Hi Thomas. Thanks for your inquiry and you are welcome to join the SAT morning Yoga class in Makawao.

Regarding your question "difference between a Raja yoga and an Ashtanga yoga class". Ashtanga Yoga is a part of Raja Yoga.

Patanjali is considered the author of Raja Yoga and he gives us both Kriya Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga to transform. Kriya is our attitude and Ashtanga is...

Q: VINIYOGA seems to be the best fit for my body type, then a friend recommended that I try Yoga Awareness. Is your style of Yoga similar to Viniyoga?

A: If you like Viniyoga, you'll love studying classical Raja Yoga at Yoga Awareness

Our Yoga practice is remarkably similar to Viniyoga. While we have a deep commitment to proper body aliment and the correct application of classical Yoga, I take great care to provide my students with individual adaptations based on their own bodies...