About Yoga

Yoga is an ancient yet living and evolving collection of practices relating to Physical, Mental and Spiritual development. In this way it covers a wide spectrum of knowledge including health and fitness, psychology and spirituality.

Hatha Yoga is essentially about creating balance on many levels; physical structure, breath, the mind and gross and subtle intrinsic energies are all part of the field of play and learning. Its practical base in the physical body and the resulting preventative and curative health benefits is partly why Hatha Yoga is so popular and accessable for anyone. Anyone can go to a Yoga class ( at the right level for them ) and benefit.

Various forms of Hatha Yoga exist which have developed through different teachers and traditions, the different styles all have core similarities but vary in pace and emphasis.Different approaches suit different people at different times. It takes time to 'Learn your Alphabet' in Yoga and it is wise to do this slowly and thoroughly and in consideration of your health and age. My own preferred interpretation is that Hatha Yoga should become in essence a creative form which one practices according to health, constitutional tendencies, stage of life, time of day and other factors. There is a way for everyone to do Yoga, it is a question of finding the right teacher and style for individual circumstances. When practiced with awareness, inner listening and a sound technical structure Yoga can provide a conscious and safe movement towards balance and positive changes.

Many people are content with a Hatha Yoga practice as a support for their general health and well being; beyond that Yoga has a spiritual philosophy and accompanying meditation practices which require another level of interest and commitment. Yoga philosophy in essence carries the message that at a deep level all of life is interconnected and meditation, inquiry and discussion give us the means to directly realise this for ourselves beyond conceptual doubt. This type of practice may in turn influence how we choose to live. Whilst this more directly spiritual end of the Yoga spectrum can be practiced by itself, Hatha Yoga practices provide an invaluable base and support for it.

As a beginner in Yoga it is best to start without assumptions of any kind, Yoga is fun to start for the joy and freedom of movement, to relax or for no good reason at all ! For those who are prepared to do it, it can inspire your life !