Mindfulness Yoga

“ The Awakened Union of Breath, Body and Mind”

Yoga is an ancient science and philosophy developed in the east 5000 years ago. The word Yoga means joining, yoking or the connection of the breath, body and mind.

Hatha yoga is the most popular Yoga in the west. The esoteric meaning of hatha is “ha”which signifies the sun and “tha” which signifies the moon. Thus it is the yoga that unifies the power of the sun and the moon-male and female energies within all of us.

Hatha yoga utilizes postures (asana), breath work, (pranayama), relaxation and meditative awareness.

The benefits of Hatha Yoga are many and they will be detailed in future writings. Briefly the asana work on all levels and systems of the body creating strength, flexibility and ease of movement. A yoga practice can ease pain and reduce stress. Yoga is a journey inward resulting in self-understanding. It is a path leading to compassionate self-awareness. It is a transformation that can lead to a more peaceful, mindful, grounded, and joyful approach to life.

Meditation is defined as the “space between thought” or a process of self- knowing-moment to moment awareness of “what is” on going-not an effort to reach some goal but the flowering of understanding.” –Krishnamurti

Mindfulness Yoga involves the integration of yoga and meditation. It involves the spiritual side of a yoga practice, which is sometimes overlooked.

Thus when the two disciplines of yoga and meditation unite the practitioner will reap the benefits of a strong and flexible body, a liberated spirit and an awakened, compassionate and joyful mind.