Hatha Yoga

What Does Hatha Mean?

The word hatha suggests a degree of focussed physical effort (hatha means ‘Willful’ and ‘forceful’). Hatha Yoga refers to a set of physical exercises (known as asanas or postures) and sequences of asanas, designed to tone and envigorate the skin, muscles, organs and systems of the body and to align joints and bones of the body. The postures are also designed to open the many channels of the body - especially the main channel, the spine - so that energy can flow freely.

Hatha is also translated as ‘ha’ meaning ‘sun’ and ‘tha’ meaning ‘moon.’ This refers to the balance of masculine aspects - active, hot, sun - and feminine aspects - receptive, cool, moon - within all of us. Hatha Yoga is a path toward creating balance and uniting opposites. In our physical bodies we develop a balance of strength and flexibility. We also learn to balance our effort and surrender in each pose.

Hatha Yoga is a powerful tool for self-transformation. It asks us to bring our attention to our breath, which helps us to still the fluctuations of the mind and be more present in the unfolding of each moment.