Hatha yoga is a practice which develops our physical and mental potential. From the steadiness of the postures (asanas) we can go inwards and tap the hidden power of the body, breath and mind. This course will start by developing a strong foundation in the 12 basic asanas. From this foundation the mind will be focused through breath control and inner concentration. When the body, breath and mind are all focused together there is incredible power in the practice.

This course will be four sessions following a classic class outline

Day 1 and 2 Asanas
“Asanas pertain to the physical body and nerve centres”
Asanas 1 of 2 – finding a firm steady posture
Improve your asana practice by identifying and feeling the essential aspects of the 12 basic postures. Focus will be on obtaining the maximum benefits from the asanas through clear understanding of their proper practice. This will include understanding proper alignment and effort in each of the asanas reducing unnecessary strain and discomfort.
Asanas 2 of 2 – developing inner awareness (proprioception)
In each asana there is a specific and real stimulation on the nervous system beyond the feeling of effort or stretching of the muscles. For example, in the shoulderstand we have pressure on the throat and thyroid, in the boat on the abdomen and in the low back. From the proper posture developed in the first class the mind is more relaxed and one can identify and feel the main nerve stimulation (pressure points or stretching) of the 12 basic asanas.

Day 3 – Pranayama – deepening the breath
“Pranayama aims at the control of the vital breath”
In each asana the breath will be brought under one’s conscious control, and further directed into the the physical body to increase the depth and benefits of the asanas. Conscious breathing concentrates the mind and derives maximum benefits from the postures.

Day 4 – Breath body Awareness + Mudras
“(Mudras) direct the externalizing mind towards Atman in the chambers of your heart and fix it there”
The final class will allow us to feel more fully how the breath changes our inner sensation in each of the asanas and also in three basic mudras. We now combine breath control with awareness of body sensation. It is through this deep concentration that we can derive the most from our practice.

Recommended reading / source material
Hatha Yoga – Swami Sivananda
Health and Hatha Yoga – Swami Sivananda
Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga – Swami Vishnudevananda

The course will be given only in English.

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Narayana

Narayana is an enthusiastic yoga practitioner and teacher. He teaches with precision and in a relaxed atmosphere.