Hatha Yoga
Yoga originated in India thousands of years ago, but was only introduced into this country in the nineteenth century. It is now an immensely popular practice throughout the Western world.
The word 'yoga' means unity. By practising yoga we try to reach a state of unity of body, mind and spirit. There are several different types of yoga; 'hatha yoga' is a physical practice and a philosophical system, which also encompasses correct breathing and concentration. 'Ha' means sun, and 'tha' means moon, therefore hatha yoga is the practice of balancing positive and negative energies.
- By practising postures correctly, breathing well and relaxing the body completely, our bodies become healthier, stronger and more supple.
- By concentrating the mind, our thoughts become more focused and our energies less scattered.
- Yoga encourages self-esteem, a sense of well-being, an acceptance of ourselves and a responsibility for our actions.
- Ultimately the aim of all yoga is to bring a sense of peaceful energy to our lives and to all those around us, and to reawaken our innate integrity and wholeness of body, mind, breath, heart and spirit.
Yoga can be practised by anyone, at any age ... it doesn't matter in the slightest how fit or unfit you are! Everybody can benefit from the practice of breathing patterns and learning to relax, whether young, old, ill or physically challenged.
We always work from where we are now, at this moment, in a gentle yet effective way. The practice of yoga can enhance your life, by bringing balance to your body, emotions, mind and spirit, and you may find that its subtle yet profound effects ripple out to all areas of your life.