YOGA encompassing Hatha Yoga, Meditation Breathing and Relaxation Why all four aspects? Yoga is all about bring harmony to the body, mind and spirit. No single aspect should be eliminated. Postures exercise the physical body as well as squeezing the internal organs to revitalize them. Breath is used to cleanse and energise the body, as well as aiding relaxation. Relaxation itself paves the way for serenity and leads to meditation, which allows contact with our spiritual essence. To get the most out of the practice all four aspects are needed to maintain a healthy body and harmonious mind. Origins Yoga is a very ancient technique; it is much more than a series of exercises, it is a system designed for maintaining wellbeing and peace of mind, that is why it is necessary to include all aspects of it breathing, relaxation and meditation. To live a fulfilling life you need a healthy body and a harmonious mind. This hatha yoga taught by the Integral Yoga Institute founded by Swami Satchindanda, who received it from his guru Swami Sivananda. It is a flexible combination of specific methods designed to develop every aspect of the individual – physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. It integrates all six branches of yoga of which hatha yoga is one. Hatha yoga Is a gentle form of exercise, using specific postures (asanas) that are designed to work on the whole body increasing strength and flexibility. As it is non-competitive you work to your own capacity, whereby beginners and more experienced can work together. The main focus of the postures will be to work on the spine, which contains both the physical and energetic centres to the body. This being the information channel to the body it is important to keep it in optimum working condition. Self-practice is also encouraged. Breathing (pranayama) As our breath carries our life force on it (prana), it is important to breath properly whilst doing the postures and relaxing. Time will be spent learning different techniques, which can also be incorporated into daily life. Breath and mind are inextricable linked so that when the breath is slowed down the mind quietens naturally. The breath exhalation will be used to calm the body and to eliminate tensions and toxins, which have been released by the postures. Relaxation Will take place after each posture, by using the breath the body will be able relax and the mind will quieten. In a totally relaxed state, when the restrictions of the postures have been released, fresh blood and nutrients flow into the area worked; cleansing and purifying. In a relaxed state your body will naturally slow down, decreasing blood flow and blood pressure which will enable you to go deeper into the postures. Meditation Over the session your body will become more relaxed and your mind quieter with less thoughts/mind activity. At this point it will be natural to take this further into a meditative state for a short period, which simply means resting in the stillness and silence that has been built up during the session. Bring the body and mind in this way into balance enables healing is able to take place. What do I need? A yoga mat is ideal, if not a blanket and a cushion to sit on.   HARMONISE YOUR WHOLE BEING