what is yoga?

Hatha: Hatha yoga consists of the postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama). Hatha means union of the Sun and Moon. This is a symbolic term for the uniting of the positive and negative energies of the body. The word ‘yoga’ is derived through the Sanskrit language and can be translated as ‘union’ or ‘identification’. This union is the merging of the individual soul with the universal soul and on a more fundamental level the union of the body with the mind.

Asana: Asana literally means steady pose. Asana or posture work will be the kind of yoga you are most familiar with; it is the physical dimension in yoga. The asanas aim at promoting the health and efficiency of the joints, nerves, glands, vital internal organs and most importantly the spine. The asanas offer you the chance to learn about your body and how it functions for you. The asanas should be approached with concentration and mindfulness. This is achieved by bringing an awareness to the breath during the posture work.

Pranayama: Pranayama derives its meaning from the Sanskrit ‘prana’ meaning the life breath and ‘ayama’ meaning pause. It is the science of breath control. Yoga breathing exercises are a means to greater physical and mental vitality and with practice they will tone the lungs and increase their capacity. Pranayama unclouds and consolidates the mind and creates a feeling of internal freedom. It is a natural precursor to meditation.

Meditation: Darkness falls over the external world in yoga meditation and the sun is encouraged to shine over the internal landscape, the mind. Meditation will enable you to understand that your thoughts are indeed within your control. Meditation helps you to recognise your innate wisdom as you learn to peel away the layers of emotions and thought patterns that hide the beauty of the real Self, whose very nature is happiness and fulfilment.

Ayurveda: A 5000 year old Indian medical system. It invites you to follow a lifestyle path that will bring equilibrium to any physical and mental imbalances in your life. We are formed from nature and have a sympathetic resonance with her, only nature can heal us when we become ill. When we eat when we are hungry, rest when we are tired, and create when inspiration comes, we live with the rhythms and pulse of nature. We can heal by practising sadhana that is to act in ways that are derived from nature's intelligence. Ayurvedic knowledge is grounded in the Vedic scriptures.