5 points of hatha yoga

Philosophy of Yoga
Lotus Temple
Science of Hatha Yoga
Mudras and Bandhas
Ethics

POSITIVE THINKING can be developed through a consistent meditation practice. Meditation is a skill that can help us to alleviate anxiety and manifest joy by bringing more stillness to the mind. There are many types of meditation..

REST
The body needs proper rest to maintain our systems. When we stop and think about the amazing things that our body does to keep us alive and thriving it is incredible. We can honor our bodies by adopting a yoga nidra relaxation practice for 15-30 minutes a day. This systematic relaxation practice keeps the mind focused on the body and breathing offering deep rest during a gracious time of space and self healing by "throwing off the burdens" as the awareness of breathing and the body keeps us awake and consciously relaxed unlike the dreaming state. Benefits include mental clarity, better emotional regulation, reduced stress, enhanced sleep, improved cognitive function, and muscle recovery.

The lymphatic system supports our immune system with hormones that remove toxins from the body. The adrenal glands behind the abdomen are an important source of energy as well. Yoga postures (asanas) stimulate the lymph system through movement and sweat which clears toxins from the body. Exercise strengthens the muscles and connective tissue, supports bone density, massages the vital organs, rejuvenates the body systems, and keeps the joints moving freely through the creation of synovial fluid. Exercise also increases hormones that make us feel happy.We should exercise daily to keep the body cleansed and strong. There are many ways we can exercise, do something that you enjoy.

Exercise

BREATHING properly is essential to our health and well being. Pranayama breathing practice develops awareness of our breathing so that we can habitually breathe fully and evenly. As we immediately experience, full, even breathing promotes calmness, focus, and energy. Pranayama balances the nervous systems and maximizes the ability of our respiratory system to energize our cells.

Eat Well

Our digestive system is our furnace that keeps our energy sustained throughout the day. How we fuel our bodies is essential to the “fire” that keeps this system working. In order to keep a fire burning it must stay even and modest. A moderate amount of proteins, carbohydrates, and proper fats ingested slowly, mindfully, and evenly throughout the day keep this digestive fire burning steadily. Sugar intensifies the fire, the digestive system becomes exhausted and the fire (energy) begins to fade, depleting energy. Eat a minimal amount of sugar! Eating whole foods and drinking water throughout the day keeps the body hydrated and facilitates digestion.

Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple is a symbol of unity, clarity, and harmony welcoming many faiths. The worship room is designed to form a circle of sacred texts from various religions. Each has a light which reaches to the ceiling in the center of the room where all lights meet representing "One Truth, Many Paths" which is the spirit of yoga.

The lotus flower is considered a symbol of self realization and spiritual enlightenment. Through muddy waters, the lotus transforms into a beautiful flower rising above the surface.

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Science of Hatha Yoga

Hatha Yoga is a branch of yoga that uses techniques to preserve and channel the vital force energy. It can be adapted for many levels. It is the balance of sthira and sukha, steadiness and ease.

Mudras are gestures basically using the hands to promote enhanced mood and perceptions based on the power of the nerve endings to balance the elements of the body.

Bandhas are locks or seals that are used in yoga practice combined with pranayama breathing and asanas(postures) to direct energies in the body in order to achieve higher awareness. They can be very powerful and it is recommended that they are practiced under the supervision of an experienced teacher.

Chin mudra believed to calm,
increase
concentration
improve inner awareness

Yamas

Ahimsa Non harming

Satya Truthfulness

Asteya Non stealing

Brahmacharya Moderation

Aparigraha Non possessiveness

Niyamas

Saucha Self purification

Santosha Contentment

Tapas Self-discipline

Svadhyaya Self study

Ishvara Pranidhana Self surrender