About Yoga
Yoga means “Union”
Through the application and practise of the healing art of yoga, we unite our bodies, minds and spirits. Yoga is the oldest known system of physical, mental and spiritual development. It has been passed down through the millennia from gurus to disciples. Devoted disciples become masters through years of daily practise devoted to a lifestyle based on yogic principles, and in turn pass on their knowledge to their students, and so on…
Hatha Yoga
Hatha (Ha and tha) means “sun and moon” or “mind and body”, “yin and yang” “hot and cold” “light and dark”. Described as the yoga of “force”, it is the practise of steadfastly balancing the opposing energies of the body. The unification of opposing energies through the practise of asana, pranayama and meditation. Hatha yoga activates and purifies the energy centres of the body, stilling wanderings of the mind and creating equilibrium and balance.
Asanas and Pranayama
Asanas and Pranayama are but two of the 8 components of the yoga experience but they are the two that are most often introduced first in the western style of yoga practise. Asana means “posture” or “pausing in steadiness” also “moving into stillness” and “sitting quietly”. By practising the asanas, we bring health and lightness to the body. Asanas are postures which have evolved over the centuries to exercise every muscle, nerve and gland in the body. Most importantly, asanas train our thoughts and discipline the mind. Although we develop agility, balance, endurance and great vitality, what differentiates yoga from exercise is the mind’s focus in the moment and constant meditation on the prana (life force energy) flowing through our bodies. Pranayama means “rhythmic extension of the breath”. In pranayama, the nostrils, nasal passages and membranes, the windpipe, lungs and diaphragm are the only parts that are actively involved, feeling the force of prana. With proper practise, pranayama can be profoundly healing and transformational. Real breath expansion means learning to optimize the way we exhale, not only the way we inhale. Energy is more effectively recharged through proper and orderly release of the breath, not by strenuously pumping the lungs full of air.
There are many different styles of pranayama, each with a specific focus and purpose. It is best to practise asanas with the natural breath and once use to this, you can begin to experiment with other styles of pranayama. Ujjayi is most typically the style used by experienced yogis in conjunction with an Ashtanga yoga practise. However, Ujjayi can be practised on its own while sitting up or lying down and is commonly use as a preparation for meditation. Ujjayi means “triumphantly rising”, which refers to the expansion and uprising of prana through the central channel. It is distinguished by a sound that resonates in the throat by toning the epiglottis. The sound is similar to the ocean-like sound you hear when holding a conch shell to your ear. This rhythmic sound serves as a feedback to observe the flow of breath, which should remain steady throughout the practice of asana.
Benefits of Pranayama
-Soothing, calming, peaceful, revitalizing, and meditative
-Strengthens lung tissue, aerates the lungs, soothes and tones the nervous system
-Brings greater control of the breath and floods the bloodstream with prana
Combining Asana & Pranayama
Sometimes it can be a little confusing to remember when to inhale and when to exhale while practising our asanas. Here are a few helpful hints:
Inhalation in asana: When opening, unfolding, expanding the outer body; when lengthening/extending the spine; when opening arms overhead or to the sides; when coming out of forward bends or lateral standing poses; when going up into a pose against gravity.
Exhalation in asana: When closing, folding or flexing the outer body; when softening the organs; when bringing the arms to the midline; when going into forward bends or lateral standing poses; when releasing down with gravity; when twisting.
OM (A U M)
OM is the primordial cosmic sound of the universe, the purest vibration/sound. There are several interpretations of the sound OM which can be broken down into segments. If you are new to the world of yoga it may be easiest to look at this from a scientific perspective to start with and as your interest grows you may choose to learn more and understand the meaning in its entirety. We know that according to quantum physics, everything in existence is created from vibration. The human body’s vibrational energy can become stuck, congested or have blockages. These blockages can occur as a result of the accumulation of emotional stresses we so often encounter in our day to day lives. Pure vibrational energy resonating through the body has the ability to help cleanse the body and clear out blockages.
Benefits of Chanting OM
- Has a direct vibrational effect on the body’s physiological and energetic systems.
- Creates a response in the body and mind which brings relaxation and calmness.
- Helps focus our energy in the present moment while helping clear the mind.
- Reconnects us with the source energy and instils feelings of safety, security and wellness.
- Purifies the nadis and opens the sixth (third eye) chakra.
There is so much more to be learned about yoga than what I can possibly include on this page. This is just a little general information that may be of interest to those of you wanting to know a little more about this wonderful art.
