If you are interested in the many different forms of Yoga, learning the meanings and concepts behind them are important to understanding how you should move and work through the class. You might be familiar with the terms of Bikram yoga which is the hot yoga class working through 26 different poses. The term Vinyasa might be a common yoga practice as it is known for their fluid, movement-intensive practices. However there are a few that have some misconceptions associated with them such as Hatha Yoga.
“Hatha yoga” technically refers to an approach to Yoga which begins with exertion or physical effort. Traditionally, we would start with conspicuous effort (i.e., the poses), then work toward more subtle practices, (breathwork, muscular and energetic “locks” designed to guide the flow of energy, etc.), before finally moving to the more internal level of meditation. The second importance of the term hatha is the reminder it provides that we will need to apply effort if we hope to advance in our practices. Simply put, many of us presume the spiritual path will be easier than it actually is. As a result, we often get discouraged and allow ourselves to be derailed by distractions and temptations. The fact that this is called the path of “effort” reminds us that spiritual work takes every bit as much exertion and dedication as physical work, and that we shouldn’t let that effort discourage us. The term “The Yoga of Effort” reminds us that this exertion is completely natural and normal, ultimately helping us stay positive and on track.
Hatha yoga is a path toward creating balance and uniting opposites. In our physical bodies we develop a balance of strength and flexibility. We also learn to balance our effort and surrender in each pose.Hatha yoga is a powerful tool for self-transformation. It asks us to bring our attention to our breath, which helps us to still the fluctuations of the mind and be more present in the unfolding of each moment. The postures are also designed to open the many channels of the body—especially the main channel, the spine—so that energy can flow freely.
Here is a quick explanation of what Hatha Yoga truly is:
Hatha is the branch of yoga in which we use the physical practices – including postures, breath-work, dietary selection, and other “external” means to build better control of our thoughts in order to move ultimately toward one-mindedness. As part of this, we strive to balance the seemingly-dualistic aspects of body and mind, with the understanding that these polarities are a natural part of life and are always in fluctuation. In this awareness, we strive to move toward greater harmony while also increasing our understanding of and identification with the greater principles that transcend these dualities.
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