Hatha (or “Forceful”) Yoga
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Hatha means “force”
The literal meaning of the word hatha is: (1) force, violence; (2) oppression, rapine. It is used adverbially in the sense of “forcibly,” “violently,” “suddenly,” “against one’s will.” Hence this sort of yoga is also called “forced yoga,” causing body, mind, etc. to complete evolution earlier than is normal. In other words, exerting force and intense effort in order to cause or produce yoga (union).
This is a forced union; therefrom “forced yoga” (Compare Natural Yoga™). It is important to note, however, that even though force is applied, this form of yoga does not involve forcing. And since in this yoga union is brought about by making dynamic a latent force in the body called kundalini shakti (the “serpent power”), the term Kundalini Yoga is frequently employed.
Kundalini is the evolutionary energy that attracts the posture into its correct, that is, final form. When a posture is right, one knows it; one knows it, because evolution is completed. These postures are all coded in the DNA molecule. Therefore, by doing postures, this or that aspect of the being is put into harmony with the ultimate genetic structure, or how things really are.
Postures
Postures purify, strengthen, and re-form the body, particularly the muscles of the body, which includes the muscles of the internal organs. The functioning of all the organs and systems of the body is improved, the body is brought into balance, and one’s vitality and overall sense of well-being are increased. The muscles are toned and purified by being stretched and contracted. Going in and out of postures repeatedly without holding, known as movement, increases metabolism and moves the toxins—the result of cell metabolism—just outside the cell walls. Holding increases energy flow, and thereby blood flow, and the toxins are removed from the body. This renders the body supple. In doing postures, there is a perfect balance of movement and holding, that is, postures work with the body in a balanced way.
When performing postures, you are not just exercising; your attention is in what you are doing, in the body, and you are steady and totally present. You breathe and relax into the postures, noticing what is happening as you do them. Generally, you stretch on the inhale, and you let your body settle, soften and relax within the posture on the exhale. All your movement is conscious and together with your breath.
Yoga is not about forcing the body into a posture. Experiencing some pressure and stretching is to be expected, and is as it should be, but pain indicates that one is forcing. It is a stop signal. To make progress, you have to work to capacity, but not force.
Some people ask if yoga postures will help them lose weight. Over an extended period of time (two to three months), yes, because postures regulate the glandular system. Moreover, postures create various energy flows in the body, and these intense energy flows, along with blood circulation, tend to correct, even in a short time, numerous bodily malfunctionings. The general health of the body gets better.
The postures we teach, for the most part, are final forms and work with all parts of the body. They promote the proper functioning of all the internal organs of the body. When the internal organs function properly, then all the systems of the body work as they should.
Breathing
Breath is life. It is the ultimate healer and evolver. Breathing exercises improve health; purify and balance the body, mind, and feelings; and charge the body with life energy. As their result, there is a flow of life energy and one is full of life. This enables you to do and accomplish what you want in life.
Eightfold path
In conclusion, postures and breathing, though vital, are not all there is to yoga. In fact, there are eight phases to the traditional Hatha Yoga method: (1) restricting (i.e. accepting some definite rules; that you are going to do this, and you are not going to do that); (2) purifying (done mainly by six purification processes); (3) strengthening (carried out by postures); (4) steadying (acquired by locking the breath within the body); (5) taming (accomplished by regulation of breath); (6) calming (attained by withdrawing the senses from the sense organs); (7) power (gained by concentration of attention); and (8) isolation (won and secured by the annihilation of the mind-substance distortions). In addition, Hatha Yoga includes such subjects as healing, detoxifying, fasting, diet, relaxation, and the like.
Wanna try it? Check out our Youthful with Yoga class and stretch your way to flexibility, vitality, health, and strength without exertion.
