What is Yoga ?

Yoga is the development of awareness. Hatha yoga simply refers to physical yoga and although there are many different styles, traditions or ‘flavors’ all physical systems are forms of Hatha Yoga. The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit 'yuj' to join or yolk. Uniting and balancing every aspect of being. Yoga is not simply a set of physical exercises, and was not designed as a ‘keep fit regime’ it is a philosophy that aims to unite the mind body and spirit. In Hatha yoga this joining is primarily a process of becoming more aware of our physical body through exploration and inquiry, using the thread of the breath to sew together our body and mind so that we become present in the moment as it is.

Hatha Yoga works on all the bodily systems, there are the rather convenient ‘side effects’ of regular practice:
Balancing hormone levels, improving digestion and lowering blood pressure, as well as toning muscles and improving overall health. Relaxation and breath control techniques help to calm the mind and increase concentration giving you the ability to cope with the fluctuations of life.
Yoga is a complete package for personal development, practiced for over 2000 years, promoting total physical and spiritual harmony.

The Sutras  The Sutras are a psychological and philosophical collection of aphorisms, a guide to help us to liberation from the chains of the mind. They summarise all the aspects of yoga. They were offered more than 2000 years ago by the legendary Indian sage Patanjali. The eight limbs (ashtanga) of Yoga

• Yama – sensitivity, honesty, openness, focus, and nonattachment

• Niyama-  Simplicity, contentment, purification, self-reflection and devotion.

• Asana- Joyful steadiness in the devoted practice of the physical postures.

• Pranayama- Practice of breathing techniques

• Pratyaharah- developing a non attached attitude of body and mind.

• Dharana- steadiness of mind.
  
• Dhayana- developing a quiet meditative state.

• Samadhi- total absorption of the mind.