The Way of
Hatha Yoga
Gentle Practice Brings Health and Balance
by Jill Loftis
H
atha yoga was reportedly developed centuries ago by
Indian sages. Today, it is the most popular style of yoga
practiced in the United States. The term comes from
the Sanskrit words ha, meaning sun, and tha, meaning moon.
Thus, hatha yoga symbolically unites opposite qualities to
achieve harmony. In the physical practice, this manifests as a
balance of willfulness and surrender, exertion and relaxation.
Although many people approach hatha yoga for exer-
cise, weight loss and relaxation, this slow-paced, gentle style
of yoga offers much more. Practitioners attest that regular
practice leads to increased energy, reduced mental tension,
and greater physical and emotional well-being.
The repeated practice of hatha yoga postures, or asanas,
cultivates poise, balance and strength, bringing health to
all systems of the body. It also helps to release stored layers
Jill Loftis is a certified hatha yoga instructor and the owner
of emotional and physical distress in the body. When com-
of Uttara Yoga Studio, located at 112-B Kirk Ave. S.W., in
bined with yogic breathing techniques to regulate the intake
downtown Roanoke. Contact her at 540-309-0071 or
of prana, or life force energy, hatha yoga’s cleansing and
info@UttaraYogaStudio.com, or visit UttaraYogaStudio.com.
harmonizing benefits are enhanced. Sometimes practitioners
also repeat sankalpas—short phrases that convey positive
intentions—silently or aloud in yoga to cultivate self-aware-
Begin a healthy lifestyle in a
ness, self-acceptance and resolve.
supportive, friendly environment.
When entering yoga postures, practitioners are asked to
stay present to sensations in the body and accept any limita-
tions they may encounter. The yogic concept of ahimsa, or
non-harmfulness, reminds practitioners to refrain from will-
fully forcing their bodies beyond what feels natural or even
thinking critical thoughts about them. Deep belly breathing
in the practice helps to bring in essential oxygen and relax
the nervous system. At the end of each yoga session, practi-
tioners lie in a restorative pose to relax and feel the peace of
their practice while the body rebalances itself.
For many, hatha yoga becomes a way of life, beyond a
series of movements or meditations. In Hatha Yoga: The Hid-
den Languages, Sivananda Radha explains “Hatha yoga plays
an important part in the development of a human being. It
leads to an exploration of the potential of the body, working
in harmony with the mind, to bring the seeker into closer
contact with the Higher Self.”
Anyone on a path to realizing better health and greater Convenient
ease of mind can benefit from the qualities of discipline,
Downtown Yoga for all
strength, patience and self-awareness that come from a
Roanoke ages and
regular hatha yoga practice. It’s best to check with a doctor
Location abilities
first if any physical conditions warrant special care and con-
540-309-0071 l 112-B Kirk Avenue l Roanoke VA
sideration, and talk with a yoga teacher about any concerns
jill@UttaraYogaStudio.com l www.UttaraYogaStudio.com
before practicing.
January 2009 1
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