Written By Sarah Russell
Hatha Yoga is descended from a 5,000 year old system of movements and meditations meant to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. It's made up primarily of a series of stretching exercises known as asanas, combined with breathing techniques and methods of concentration. You're probably familiar with the classic Lotus position, which is one of the basic meditative positions in Hatha Yoga.
The main goal of Hatha Yoga is much the same as other forms of yoga practice. It attempts to blend the spirit of the individual with the greater spirit of the universe, improving the health of the spirit, mind, body and emotions. Hatha Yoga has been said to help practitioners attain inner peace and a feeling of oneness with the universe. Remember that no matter what type of yoga you choose to perform, concentration is a very important factor.
All types of yoga have some similarities. However, they differ in methods or intent in other areas. Hatha Yoga's main focus is the preparation of the body, so that the spirit will be able to perform its function in bringing the practitioner to enlightenment. A great deal of confusion can arise, as many people don't realize that it's important to have a healthy, fit body in order to successfully attain spiritual enlightenment.
Hatha Yoga practice is applied to the body in order to strengthen it and the spirit inside. Its physical techniques are often used by people who aren't interested in spiritual advancement, but who would like to receive the physical benefits of Hatha Yoga as well. This is the most commonly taught form of yoga, and is thus the type that comes to most people's minds when yoga is mentioned. Other styles of yoga, some of which are derived from Hatha Yoga, include Kundalini, Bikram, Ashtanga, and Power Yoga.
In addition to the physical benefits of Hatha Yoga, there are also mental ones. It's been said to assist in the development of greater concentration and focusing abilities, in addition to reducing stress and anxiety. For many people, this is an important benefit, and something they need in their lives. If you're being distracted and need some time to relax, Hatha Yoga might be the right solution.
For those who are looking for a spiritual benefit, Hatha Yoga allows you to find your own divine light. It can help you become stronger, more flexible, and more relaxed. Performing Hatha Yoga allows the energy of your spirit to flow more freely, since the mind, spirit, and body are more closely in harmony. If your body is weakened, this weakness also affects the mind and spirit. Skeptical? Consider how hard it is to concentrate when you have a headache.
Practicing Hatha Yoga can help you cope with stress, and can relieve some of your tension and pain. If work is leaving you exhausted, you need to find time to relax and rejuvenate yourself. Hatha Yoga is an excellent remedy, that can help you release built up worries and anxiety.
Want to learn more about how yoga can change your life? Check out Sarah Russell's new book - The Beginner's Guide to Yoga and Meditation - at:
http://www.mind-body-connection.com/
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