Hatha Yoga
There are many
forms of yoga these days, but the predominant religious and exercise
movement is known as Hatha yoga, a style that attracts roughly 30
million Americans. In the most basic sense of the term, this style
focuses on posture and breathing as a way of attaining spiritual
enlightenment.
Hatha yoga (pronounced "ha-tuh") literally translates to "sun-moon,"
referring to the two different energy channels within the body. Most
Americans know yoga as the combination of breathing techniques and
posturing, but in traditional Indian religion, it is one of the
paths that leads to Raja Yoga (or the "contemplation of One
Reality.") The practice of this yogic form was widely spread by 15th
Century Indian sage Swami Swatamarama and was designed to assist
individuals in finding and unblocking internal chakras (or energy
centers). Through true understanding and meditation, it was believed
that disease and disorders could be prevented and treated in this
way.
The first step is the practicing of the different asanas (poises) to
help the mind and body align with one another and open the inner
channels of communication. By finding the right posture, one can
remain comfortable for long periods of time while meditating.
Secondly, proper breathing techniques (sometimes referred to as "pranayama")
are taught. Next, some students may choose to delve more deeply into
the philosophical roots. Yoga instructor David Williams (from
Hawaii) once noted, "Before you've practiced, the theory is useless.
After you've practiced, the theory is obvious."
The end result of practicing this style of yoga is markedly noticed
almost immediately. Suddenly you can stretch a bit further and touch
those toes. You're not huffing and puffing carrying laundry up to
the top floor of the house anymore. Your bowel movements are even
more regular than usual and you find that stomach aches and head
aches rarely occur these days. Your abdomen, legs and gluteus are
looking more defined too. When you're at work and start to feel
stressed, you take a deep breath and reconnect with the relaxation
techniques you learned in class, although the anxiety rarely reaches
you on a physical level anymore. Your energy levels are revitalized,
your hormones are balanced and a calm sense of euphoria and
appreciation for each day takes root in your soul. Life is good,
thanks to Hatha yoga, a practice that goes back thousands of years
to some infinite source of knowledge the West generally seemed to
have overlooked.
While many of us wish we had the discipline to properly perform
Hatha yoga at home with a DVD, it's simply not feasible -- in the
truest sense. Attending yoga class is a bit like attending church on
Sundays, in that it gives us that set-aside time to focus, meditate,
appreciate and reflect. Much like a priest, the yoga instructor
brings an atmosphere of supreme holiness and quietude, while helping
you sense your weaknesses and align yourself correctly in tune with
your core being. Yoga is not something you can do half-heartedly or
skimp out on. Instead, it requires full attentiveness and
studiousness. Even if your end goal is purely fitness-oriented, take
the time to appreciate this ancient Indian practice and learn the
right way. You just may be surprised by what you learn about
yourself!
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