Hatha Yoga
What is Hatha Yoga?
Patanjali’s definition of Yoga is:
“The restraint of the modifications of the mind-stuff is Yoga”
The word Yoga itself means “to unite” but what is it that we are uniting through our practice? The answer is one’s mind, body, soul and universal energy. With this in mind when practicing Yoga with all 8 limbs in our focus we aim to be “whole and good and connected to the world” (David Life and Sharon Gannon)
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So where does Hatha come into all this?
Hatha is the physical practice the third limb. But unlike most other forms of exercise, it has a spiritual element to it. In a Hatha Yoga class, you can expect a set or series of physical postures and breathing techniques. Whilst during Sun/Moon Salutations there is an element of a Vinyasa practice in a Hatha class you can expect more static holds with a slower pace so the focus can be on how to get into the posture. In addition, it is generally more widely accepted in a Hatha class to use props to assist and improve postures and holding positions.
What to Expect from a Breathe Hatha Yoga Class?
At Breathe our aim is to make Yoga accessible to everyBODY.
Whether you are a beginner, looking to advance your practice to intermediary level, someone with health conditions worried that Yoga can’t be made accessible to them or just not feeling confident about doing any kind of exercise with other people our Hatha Yoga classes are here to support you with your goals and on your Yoga journey.
Whist some of the Asanas (postures) will vary week to week the classes retain the same essential features of a Hatha Yoga class to build upon your practice. At the core of all of our classes is Pranayama (breathwork), Sun Salutations, yoga poses, Savasana and recognition of the 8 Limbs of Yoga. Underpinning all that is a supportive environment and a friendly teacher to guide you through your options for each Asana so that you can select the right level for you.
With Instagram and Social Media, it can be easy to think that Yoga is about being able to do headstands and look great in your Yoga workout clothes. But it’s about so much more and with the right space and the right teacher for you Hatha Yoga can be something that is for everyBODY.