Blog Post

What is Hatha yoga?

  • by admin
  • •
  • 10 Sept, 2018
  • •

The word yoga is Sanskrit for “union” and is generally said to represent the joining together of mind body and spirit with the breath.

hatha yoga

So Hatha yoga is not just postures or strength or flexibility of the body, it is an holistic system, a way of life that includes guidelines or signposts to a healthy mind, body and spirit, (yamas and niyamas) meditation (dyana), breathing practices (pranayama), concentration (dharana), sense withdrawal and physical postures (asana). All of these lead a person to a blissful state of consciousness.

Hatha yoga combines postures (asana), breathing (pranayama) and deep relaxation meditation (Yoga Nidra). A blend of practices which leave you feeling energised, stretched & relaxed.   Hatha Yoga is a system of Yoga introduced by Yogi Swatmarama, a sage of 15th century India, and compiler of the text known as the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.

Most classes will begin with a short period of “composure” or letting go, followed by gentle body mobility, then some standing and seated postures, finishing with a period of relaxation or yoga nidra. I do change the content and structure of each class,and there is room for everyone to progress without pressure.. The postures can be adapted or omitted depending on the level of ability, and how students are feeling on the day.  This makes the Hatha Class suitable to all regardless of ability or age.

My Youtube Channel

by Barbara Hastings • 25 Feb, 2022
My Youtube Channel is here  for you to browse.  They are mainly short clips and classes,  for ideas to add to your practice and also some to practise along with.   Below are direct links to the kind of things I teach each week either online or in person:  firstly a short Yoga Nidra and love meditation, secondly  a short slide show of Hatha / Ashtanga postures in an active practice, holding each pose for around 5 breaths each,  thirdly a series of yin style postures to be practised much more slowly and held for 3-5 minutes each, and finally a gentle restorative Somatic style class where poses are moved one breath at a time.  We are all different and have yoga preferences, and at different times of the day our bodies need different practices too, some focus on muscular strength, some on joint mobility, some on fascia and deeper connective tissue release, and some on mind and emotional release.  However whatever we need or choose as our practice, we will find that all styles will help relieve stiffness, and help unblock energy channels resulting in a lightness of body and mind. 

Yoga Nidra (short)  for relaxation particularly  at night

A short active practice ( slide show ) no commentary.

A short Yin style practice, no commentary.

A gentle restorative   Somatic style practice

Breathing and Meditation

by admin • 17 Feb, 2022
These are two limbs of yoga: pranayama and dyana. Sometimes we integrate them in an asana (posture) practice, but sometimes we need a separate time to check in with how we are feeling, what we are thinking, what our bodies, minds and emotions are telling us. For this reason Yoga with Barbara is now offering Breathing and Meditation as a separate practice online in a group or one to one. These hour long classes cover the essentials of pranayama (ancient yogic breathing techniques) and several meditation techniques. All of these techniques are immediately calming and are ideal for people who know it is hard for them to find time, or stay still. They can be transformational. This class can also be practised as a one to one and privately on-line.
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