balance mind, body and soul

at elements
        the yoga studio...

Hatha yoga is taught through movement with and awareness of the breath.  Hatha means "sun and moon", which brings balance and harmony to the body and mind, integrating and allowing opposites to unite as a whole.  The world is filled with many naturally occurring opposites, such as, male and female, right and left, forward and backward, up and down, and movement and stillness.  These balances by tradition are also found in the practice of yoga.



about yoga      

Yoga is a 6000 year old ancient system of self care regarded as a divine science of life and means "union" or "to unite" (to unite the body, the mind and the spiritual self).  Hatha yoga is a physical practice of poses (asanas) which flow with breath (pranayama) and link one asana to another (vinyasa) and incorporates meditation (dhyana). 

Asanas are special positions of the body that strengthen, purify, balance and bring harmony into the body and mind. 

Pranayama is deep, mindful breathing used while practicing yoga because of its calming or energizing benefits to the body and mind, which in turn allows us to bring our attention inward and find our own inner serenity. 

Dhyana allows the body and mind to link together to create a state of internal peacefulness, bringing the individual from a state of separation to a state of self-unity that is flexible, accepting and whole. 

In yoga, students of all ages and levels of ability and experience are honored for their unique differences, limitations and talents.  
 

Creating and experiencing a sense of well being, peace and joy is yoga.  
 

benefits of hatha yoga  

  reduction of mental and physical stress,
  strengthening and toning of muscles,
  improvement of balance, concentration, posture, memory and awareness,
  can be practiced by anyone at any age or physical ability,
  increased energy, strength and flexibility,
  stimulation for the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, digestive and circulatory systems,
  creates an overall sense of calm for the body and the mind.

 

 "Each practice session is a journey...

Endeavor to move with awareness.  Allow it to unfold as a flower opens.  There is no benefit in hurrying.  Yoga grows with time.  Some days are easy and the mind is calm and the physical body is light and responsive, and other days you may find that the mind is running wild and the body is heavy.  We must breathe deeply and remain detached.  The asanas are not the goal.  They are the vehicle to access a deeper internal awareness.  Yoga is a place of refuge and a soothing balm for the stresses of modern life.  Within each practice find ways to refine your existing understanding so that you can continue to grow...

"yoga is a scenic journey to our deepest spirit."

Pattabhi Jois.