Hatha Yoga

Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and to endure what can’t be cured – B.K.S. Iyengar

Yoga is an ancient spiritual, mental, and physical practice which emerged from the Indian subcontinent some 5000 years ago.  Originally, it was developed as a way to help alleviate daily suffering, practiced as a life philosophy based on our relationship with the world and finding inner peace. It has subsequently evolved over the centuries, spreading across the globe to encompass a range of styles and methods – some of which compliment, and even (mildly) contradict, each other. 

Hatha Yoga itself can trace its origins back to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, written circa 400 AD These sutras contained reference to the 8 Limbs of Yoga or 8 Limb method: a guideline to living a deeper and more peaceful life. Very briefly, they concern: 

1. Morality
2. Positivity
3. Posture
4. Breathing
5. The Senses
6. Focus
7. Meditation
8. Enlightenment

As one of the most prominent strands of yoga, Hatha used to be considered an umbrella-term for various sub-styles, such as Iyengar, Yin and Ashtanga. Now, however, it often refers to any form consisting of poses. Although this style is often associated with gentle or laid-back practice, it can also be practiced very strongly.  According to one interpretation, ‘hatha‘ actually means ‘exertion' or 'force’ in Sanskrit, referring to the effort required to guide the flow of energy. 

There are many benefits of effective practice: some of the physical ones include increased body awareness; mobility, flexibility, strength, and balance.  Because yoga is so personal and diverse, one can customise their practice to suit their own needs. For example, a muscular bodybuilder may choose to focus more on poses that emphasise flexibility over strength. (If one is flexible in the back and shoulders yet tight in the hips and hamstrings, more personal practice should be dedicated to the latter.)  As well as helping alleviate back and joint issues, yoga can substantially improve our breathing, blood pressure, and sleeping patterns – key components of health that can be neglected.

Good physical health should always be linked to good mental health; a healthy mind and body operate in tandem. Yoga practice can reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus, and encourage a positive mindset. In today’s stressful environment, this is perhaps more important than ever. Group practice has the potential to ignite friendships and communal bonding, which also provides us with that vital social stimulation. Fundamentally, however, yoga is a personal journey that moves at one’s own pace. Each human body is unique: it is up to us to explore, study, and examine our body & mind for greater well-being.

Modern living can be hectic and relentless: a whirlwind of phone calls, emails, texts, and notifications that overpower the senses and deprive us of proper rest. Yoga teaches us to better manage our physical and mental being, to help regain our inner peace and focus. This is a progressive practice for your entire life!