Hatha is a combination of two words, ha meaning "sun" and tha meaning "moon". Hatha signifies the balance between hot and cool, or masculine and feminine energies that reside within us all. It is estimated that yoga originated between 2000-5000 years ago in India.
It was around 2000 years ago that the Indian sage Patanjali is thought to have given us " The Yoga Sutra", a philosophical guide from which we base most of our knowledge of this ancient path.In it Patanjali outlined what are known as the "eight limbs of yoga".
Yamas (restraints, ethics, internal purification through moral training)
Niyamas (observances, study)
Asana (postures, exercise)
Pranayama (breath)
Prathyahara (withdrawal of the senses)
Dharana (concentration)
Dhyana (meditation)
Samadhi (super-conscious state, liberation, enlightenment)
In the Western World we have become more familiar with the practice of Asana (posture) and Pranayama (breath). It is through the use of posture along with awareness and control of the breath that yogis are able to open and balance the many energy channels with in the body. Simultaneously the body is strengthened and gains in flexibility. The relaxing mental and physical effects help to promote a healthier lifestyle and can combat everything from high blood pressure and heart disease to insomnia and depression. Synchronizing the breath and movement allows the practitioner to quiet the mind, cultivating ways to recognize our habitual thought patterns, calm ourselves, and peacefully surrender the ego.
Through this union of body, mind, and spirit, we learn to remain more present, helping to connect with our inner selves and the world around us in a truly mind full way for the benefit of all.
For appointments contact Solveig Bergh at yogasbergh@yahoo.com
