Hatha Yoga

Yoga means union! Ha= sun and tha= moon; Hatha Yoga is the unity of the sun and the moon. The male and the female. The union of all the splintered aspects of ourselves. The union of body and mind. Hatha Yoga is not just an exercise system. It is a 500 year old holistic path of Self development that begins with the body as a tangible way to effect all aspects of our be-ing. Yoga brings well-being on many levels and connects us with an inner wisdom where we feel the connection with all beings and things.

Yoga works on many levels to bring about well-being.Through stretching, strengthening and aligning the body it becomes more open.
This helps to clear and cleanse the energy channels in the body called 'nadis', so the Prana or life-force energy can flow more freely and this creates changes on all levels: physical , emotional and spiritual.
Then through breath awareness and contemplation we start to tune into a higher consciousness, giving us greater clarity and wisdom.

In SunFoodYoga retreats the yoga is designed to rejuvenate, energize and relax the body and clear the mind. Certain yogic techniques promote tissue regeneration and slow down the ageing proces. Morning classes tend to be more active as one tends to have more energy at this time of the day and the afternoon sessions are more regenerative and relaxing. The idea is to promote self-practice, to offer a tool for reconnecting. Practicing yoga is a healing proces. It is not about getting the poses picture perfect, but about being sensitive to our body and tuning into our inner voice.

Sometimes we forget our essence. Yoga helps to shine the light of consciousness into the darkness. On a physical level, yoga makes the body more supple, mobile and relaxed; on a mental level it reduces stress and anxiety making one more aware of the present moment and on a spiritual level one feels more open and tuned in with one’s higher self or inner Divinity. Yoga in combination with a healthy and light diet leads to a spontaneous lightness of body and mind, a sense of natural energy, wholeness, vitality, joy and a sense of well-being at all levels.

Think of your yoga practice as a time for renewal. Your sacred time for communion with the Divine. Here you can let go of any self judgements and worries and ground yourself in your inner temple. Feeling each asana as a prayer.

What has been taught under the name of yoga is a minute part of this great tradition. In the west yoga is mostly focused on the physical aspect. Yoga really is a way of life that allows for total transformation.
Hatha yoga starts with a progressive series of steps or disciplines which purify body, mind and spirit, leading to liberation of suffering and ultimately to enlightenment.

Attitude / Restraints (Yama):

Non-violence (Ahimsa)
Truthfulness (Satya)
Non stealing (Ateya)
Moderation (Brahmacharya)
Non possiveness (Aparigraha)

Orientation / Observances (Niyama)

Purity (Saucha )
Contentment (Santocha)
Self discipline (Tapas)
Self study (Svadyaya )
Surrender to Divinity (Ishvara Pramidana)

Postures (Asana)

Breath control (Pranayama)
Meditative internalisation (Pratyahara)
Meditative Concentration (Dharana)
Meditative Contemplation (Dhyana)
Meditative Absorption (Samadhi)