Introduction : Traditional Hatha Yoga

What is yoga ?
Yoga is a discipline born in India over 5000 years ago. The practice of yoga takes in a whole way of living and attitude to life. A typical yoga class will include postures, breathing exercises and a method of relaxation based on focussing the attention in the moment. The primary aim of yoga is to calm the mind, to find inner peace and to live life to one’s full potential.

What is hatha yoga ?
Hatha yoga is the common root of most yoga practised in the Western world. In Sanskrit (the language of the ancient texts) hatha means ‘sun and moon’. The ‘ha’ is positive and the ‘tha’ is negative. The word ‘yoga’ simply means ‘union’. The aim of yoga is to calm the mind and to find inner peace by acknowledging the duality that is inherent within us and find a harmonious balance.

What happens in a typical Hatha yoga class ?
A session of Hatha yoga usually includes 3 elements helping us to attain a better quality of life :
1. The practice of postures which strengthen the body leading to greater suppleness
2. Breathing exercises to release our energy resources
3. A short relaxation to help manage stress and calm the mind

A yoga class lasts around 1 1/4 hours. Regular practice of Hatha yoga helps nurture a feeling of well-being and harmony with oneself and the world .

What should one wear to practice yoga ?
Wear comfortable clothes, for example loose-fitting trousers, a T-shirt with a sweat shirt which can be removed once the body is warmed up. Bring a mat, a blanket for the relaxation and a cushion.