What is Yoga?

In this section you'll learn...

About Yoga

The Sanskrit term yoga is generally translated as "union". Yoga is a journey, a quest to bring back together the disparate parts of our being: our body, mind and spirit.

Yoga is said to be one tree with many branches. Hatha Yoga is the branch of yoga most commonly practiced in the west. In the system of Hatha Yoga, the practitioner focuses on training and fine tuning the body as the vehicle to working with the mind. In Hatha Yoga, we strive to bring together the many disparate parts of our being to achieve integration of body and mind, and thus end all suffering.

Yoga is many things to many people. It might be:

  • The union of body, heart and mind
  • The practice of being in the moment
  • A series of physical exercises connected by the breath and leading to increased flexibility and calmness
  • A way to achieve higher consciousness

What it is not:

  • Dogmatic
  • Goal-oriented
  • A religion

So, What is "Hatha Yoga"?

Sheila (along with most yoga teachers in the West) teaches Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga is primarily a practice of bringing the body and mind into integration and balance. The word "Hatha" is comprised of "Ha" meaning sun and "Tha" meaning moon. Intrinsic to Hatha Yoga is the idea that by uniting or bringing into balance oppositional forces, we can achieve bliss.

There are many different styles of Hatha Yoga (e.g. Classical, Ashtanga, Flow, Yin, Sivananda, etc.) but they all have the same foundation. The main focus of Hatha Yoga classes is practice of postures in which we're invited to move the body into shapes that enhance body awareness, strength, flexibility and overall wellbeing. Classes may also include breathing techniques for extending life energy, the recitation of mantras for calming and awakening the mind, meditation and/or yoga philosophy.

Benefits of Yoga

The release that comes from a stretch, the relaxation that comes from taking a slow and deep breath, the grounding that comes from feeling connected with your body - these are just some of the benefits that come from yoga.

Yoga has been scientifically proven to help the mind:

  • Reduces stress and restore mental/emotional balance
  • Develops mental focus, concentration and clarity
  • Builds self-awareness
  • Builds self-confidence and self esteem

 

And help the body:

  • Improves body awareness - reduces likelihood of injuries
  • Improves flexibility - move more easily
  • Strengthens and tones muscles
  • Improves balance
  • Increases bone mass
  • Improves breathing
  • Improves Digestion and the processing of nutrients
  • Increases energy
  • Regulates hormones
  • Helps the body Defend itself through stimulating the immune system
  • Regulates the reproduction system

An extensive list of the benefits of yoga can be found at Nursing Degree.net



Getting the Most out of Your Yoga Class

While there are many different styles of hatha yoga, they all have some common threads. On this page you'll learn:

Key Aspects of Hatha Yoga

All Hatha Yoga sessions revolve around these central elements:

  • Breath - Breathing easily and well
  • Postures - Moving the body into shapes that benefit the physical and subtle (energetic) bodies
    and the mind
  • Relaxation - Finding ease in every position
  • Presence - Experiencing the body just as it is, letting go of any goal

Preparing for your Class

  • Avoid eating for 2-3 hours prior to a class
  • Drink plenty of water after your class, and little sips during it if you get thirsty
  • Yoga clothing should comfortable and allow the body to move: either loose-fitting or stretchy.
  • Some postures will require the body to be upside down, in which case you should layer, tuck in or wear fitted attire accordingly.

Know your Limits - Honour your Body

  • Choose a class appropriate for your level and your body!
  • Tell your teacher if you are working with an injury or illness that may require modifying some poses
  • Listen to your body and rest when you need to-your teacher and classmates will understand.
  • Don't move deeper into a pose than feels right for you at the time-your body is your best advisor.

Studio / Class Etiquette

  • Arrive 10-15 minutes before your class starts - please avoid being late: it is disruptive to the teacher and other students
  • Turn your cell phone or pager OFF before class (please don't set it to vibrate)
  • Avoid wearing scented products (perfume, aftershave) due to allergies
  • Please be silent in the studio before class: meditate, rest or do gentle warm-ups rather than chat
  • If you must leave the class early, do so before final relaxation, not in the middle
  • With your classmates in mind, please dress respectfully.


Using Yoga Props

Most yoga studios will have props for your use. If you practice at a gym or community centre, you might want to invest in your own. For Hatha and Flow yoga, it is a good idea to collect a block and a strap and any other props you use regularly at the start of class.

Using props can help you to improve alignment and deepen your experience of being in a posture. They also allow students to improve technique or explore new sensations.

Props are for everyone, not just beginners. Everyone can get more out some postures with the use of props.

 

Sanskrit Words you Might Hear in your Yoga Class

Sanskrit is the sacred language of Yoga. It is said the sound vibrations of Sanskrit words are powerful. Some yoga teachers will use the sanskrit name for yoga terms including the names of postures while others will use the english names. Here are some common sanskrit words you may hear in your class:

Asana
Posture held with ease
Mantra
An energy-based sound repeated in the practice of meditation to steer the mind to stillness and peace
Namaste
Greeting that means "The Light in me sees the Light in you"
OM
The primal sound or vibration from which the entire universe constantly emanates
Prana
"Life force" or 'breath of life'
Pranayama
Practices for extending the breath
Savasana
Resting pose which concludes a class
Shanti
"Peace"
Windhorse
Windhorse Yoga - Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Contact: Sheila Craig