YOGA

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Yoga is a series of steps that allow us to live a better life. It works on all aspects of human beings, the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and psychic. Practically, yoga is a way to balance the body, mind and emotions and to bring the body into a harmonious balance. We achieve this by practicing

Asana (postures)

Pranayama (breathing techniques)

Mudra (Gestures i.e. Hand positions)

Bandha (Locks, tightening)

Shatkarma (purification practices)

Meditation (the practice of meditating)

Some of these practices you may not have heard of and in general the main focus in most yoga classes is not always on all six of these practices, but on a mixture of them. 

The deeper you delve into yoga the more you naturally learn, expand your knowledge, and combine all these elements of yoga. 

Yoga is an ancient spiritual and physical discipline that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Rooted in the Vedic tradition and later shaped by various philosophical schools such as Samkhya and Vedanta, yoga was originally developed as a path to self-realization and liberation (moksha). The word "yoga" itself comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning "to yoke" or "unite" — symbolizing the union of body, mind, and spirit.

Early forms of yoga were deeply meditative and closely linked to rituals and philosophical inquiry. Over time, especially with texts like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (circa 200 BCE), the practice evolved into a structured system. Patanjali codified what is now known as the Eight Limbs of Yoga, a guide to ethical living and spiritual growth.

In essence, yoga is more than a physical routine; it is a holistic path toward clarity, inner peace, and union with the divine. Whether through movement inspired by the natural world, breath control, or contemplative wisdom, yoga continues to be a living tradition that adapts while remaining rooted in its ancient origins.

The word Hatha is a combination of two beeja mantras (beeja means seed)

HA-represents prana the vital force 

THA -represents the mind, the mental energy. Therefore Hatha means the union of the pranic and mental forces. When the union of the higher forces occur this awakens your higher consciousness.

The goal of Hatha is to purify the body and cultivate inner balance, strength, and energy flow so that the mind becomes still and prepared for higher states of meditation.

Traditional Hatha Yoga involves slower-paced, static postures, emphasizing alignment, strength, and awareness of breath and inner sensations. It's often considered ideal for beginners because it builds foundational strength and mindfulness.

Pranayama, or breath control, is vital in Hatha Yoga. The breath is seen as the carrier of prana, the life force. Techniques like nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) and kapalabhati (cleansing breath) help purify energy channels and calm the nervous system. Paired with relaxation techniques such as savasana (corpse pose), pranayama supports mental clarity, stress reduction, and emotional balance.

It can be quite confusing when you are faced with different styles of yoga and you haven't a clue what they are or what is right for you . Below I have compiled a list with a brief description of some the many styles. As Hatha is the main style I teach it has its very own section with a longer explanation above.

Yoga is a broad spiritual tradition with multiple paths, each suited to different temperaments and life situations. While all aim for self-realization and inner harmony, they approach it in different ways.

Raja Yoga
Known as the "royal path," Raja Yoga is outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. It emphasizes mental discipline, meditation, and the Eight Limbs of Yoga. Raja Yoga includes asana and pranayama, but its primary focus is on inner control, mindfulness, and reaching higher states of consciousness.
Bhakti Yoga
The path of devotion. This style focuses on loving surrender to the Divine through practices like chanting, prayer, rituals, and devotion to a deity or higher power. It's deeply emotional and heart-centered.
Jnana Yoga
The path of knowledge and wisdom. Jnana Yoga uses intellectual inquiry, self-reflection, and philosophical study (especially of texts like the Upanishads) to dissolve the ego and realize the true Self.
Karma Yoga
The path of action. Karma Yoga teaches selfless service—doing one's duty without attachment to outcomes. It purifies the heart by helping practitioners let go of ego and selfish desire.
 

• Hatha Yoga

Each modern yoga style offers a different pace, focus, and intention. Here's a brief overview:

• Vinyasa Yoga
  A creative, flowing practice linking breath to movement. Energetic and adaptable.
• Ashtanga Yoga
  A vigorous, structured sequence of poses. Physically demanding and ideal for building strength and discipline.
• Iyengar Yoga
  Focuses on precise alignment and the use of props. Therapeutic and mindful, with long-held poses.
• Bikram Yoga
  A form of hot yoga practiced in a heated room with 26 set poses. Builds stamina, flexibility, and detoxification.
• Kundalini Yoga
  Combines breathwork, chanting, movement, and meditation to awaken spiritual energy at the base of the spine.
• Yin Yoga
  A slow, meditative practice with deep stretches held for several minutes. Targets fascia and joint mobility.
• Restorative Yoga
  Gentle and supported poses using props for deep relaxation and stress relief. Great for nervous system recovery.
• Power Yoga
  A fitness-based, dynamic style inspired by Ashtanga. Builds heat, strength, and cardiovascular endurance.
• Sivananda Yoga
  A traditional, spiritually focused practice based on a fixed sequence, with emphasis on breathing, relaxation, and philosophy.
• Integral Yoga
  Blends physical postures with breathing, meditation, and devotion. A holistic approach to spiritual living.
• Hot Yoga
  A general term for yoga practiced in heated rooms (not just Bikram), often Vinyasa-based. Improves flexibility and sweat detox.

Summary:
While all styles are grounded in Hatha Yoga, they differ in emphasis—ranging from athletic (Power, Ashtanga), meditative (Yin, Restorative), spiritual (Kundalini, Sivananda), to therapeutic (Iyengar). 

I'm not flexible!!

That's not an issue, that's one of the reasons why you are coming. After a very short time you will see gradual improvements even with  a weekly practice.

I don't know what to bring

(Mats can be provided)

Wear layers, bring some water, a blanket for relaxation and a mat (if you have it) We practice yoga barefoot or sometimes people wear grippy yoga socks

How is Yoga different from stretching?

Yoga is much more than physically making shapes. Yoga is different because we connect the breath with the movement of the body and this has a calming affect on the fluctuations of the mind. Connecting the mind, body and breath encourages us to direct our attention inwards and in that stillness we begin to cultivate a self awareness. We then start to begin to learn how to live moment to moment.