The ancient science of yoga has it's origins hidden in the mists of pre-history & yet still continues to grow & evolve today. It is an alive, breathing art form, inspired from the depths of nature, & is just as relevant now as it always has been. Hatha yoga (which is the yoga mostly practiced in the west), means sun & moon, & helps to harmonise & integrate these two polar energies of the universe to create physical, mental, emotional & spiritual balance & unity within.

In yogic philosophy the body is regarded as the vehicle of the soul & gateway to the inner temple of the divine. It recognises the body & bodily existence as a wonderful instructment through which the expansion of awareness & freedom of energy can be realised & united. Yoga postures (asanas) have evolved over many centuries. Apart from cultivating physical beauty (kanti) due to enhanced pranic flow (life energy) through the body, asanas help to clear the mind helping to restore mental & physical balance, health, vitality & well being.

Other practices of yoga include: Yama & Niyama ~ these are self observations & restraints to help clear negativity from the mind, body & heart. Pranayama ~ is the practice of breath regulation to expand & enhance our life energy. Pratyahara ~ means sensory withdrawal & in the ancient scriptures it is suggested that the entire cosmos is situated within the human body, therefore it is understood that the source of happiness lies within each individual. By withdrawing our senses from external stimulation we are able to connect to this inner well of contentment. Dharana ~ is the practice of concentration which can take many forms, such as complete attentiveness to the flow of the breath in harmony with the movement of the body, or focusing on the glow of a candle flame. Whatever technique is used, the aim is the same… to clear & focus the mind in order to move into a meditative state.

Through the practice of concentration (dharana), Dhyana (meditation) will begin to naturally follow if time is given. Meditation is where we can go beyond time, space, conditions & limitations, allowing our individual core of consciousness to expand & connect with the infinite universal consciousness. The ancient sages described meditation as the yoking with nature, as they conceived the infinite universe to be part of the nature of life, death & beyond.

Samadhi ~ is enlightenment, the bliss state of oneness. It is considered the ultimate yoga & transcends meditation… it is without seed as it goes beyond beginning & end, it is a state of absolute liberation & bliss where nothing is needed, desired or required as the self has merged all.