Yoga
Yoga means to ‘unite’, not to be confused as a religion, it emerged from India, with its roots dating as far back to texts written between 6th and 15th centuries AD. Known widely as an ‘Ancient Art’ healing its followers physically, emotionally, mentally, through a subtle spiritual guidance of its many diverse paths to choose from, and no matter which one you pick you end up finding your ‘true-self’, through its secret ingredients, that isn’t really a secret, the essence of breath. Therefore, making Yoga an interesting and intriguing form of therapy, exercise, hobby, lifestyle, manner, behaviour, and subject. Experience gives knowledge gives wisdom.
Hatha, the twin energetic forces of Ha meaning ‘Sun’ and Tha meaning ‘Moon’. The practice of Hatha influences a fluctuation between these two energy forces, creating balance between the dynamic active physical body (Sun) and subtle energy chitta of the mind (Moon). Yin and Yang energies, power of the opposites uniting. There are many styles of Hatha Yoga, but one way to practice and that is “ wisdom from your heart, if it feels good for you then it is good”.
Physically, through the practice of Asanas (Postures) it improves the body’s flexibility and strength to muscles, joints, and bones as you create shapes with your body exploring its 3 planes of movement (sagittal, frontal, transverse) through the 6 types of Asana forward bending, backward bending, balancing, twisting, side bending, and inverting, all this practised with a continual awareness of breath. Pranayama (Breath control) moving, directing, and retaining the breath physically and mentally, creating awareness of your doing. Thought and action becoming one.
Emotionally, practicing withdrawing of the senses (Pratyahara) protects the emotions of desires. Accepting that you have everything that is necessary at that present time. This creates balance, harmony, and a sense of peace from within.
Mentally, practicing Dharana (Concentration) and Dhyana (Meditation) one pointed focus strengthens the mind, creates self-awareness and mindfulness. It allows clearer thought, enhances decision making and problem solving, therefore, like a sieve reduces stress and anxiety as you agilely let go of the things and thoughts that really are not important.
Spiritually, eureka moments that opens heart and mind, body, and soul to a path to a story that is hidden underneath everything, piles of whatever, you find your own ‘true-self’. Samadhi or Nirvana (Enlightenment, bliss).
Philosophy, from quotes, Sutras, chants, Mantras, poetry, words of wisdom, and positive affirmations, philosophy is a richness that underpins the practice of the Ancient Art of Yoga, and gives it an esoteric charm of terms and concepts.
“I believe Yoga gives us this space to express and explore ourselves freely physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.“
Emma
“Om Mani Padme Hum”
(Praise to the Jewel in the Lotus)
“It is no longer seeking happiness and peace from outside, because it realises it is happiness personified.” (Patanjali IV-34)
