Thematic Hatha Yoga

About Hatha Yoga

The Path of Physical Transformation

Among the four traditional yogic paths mentioned in ancient texts (Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga), many modern variations have emerged, adapted to the times and cultural contexts. One of these is , which focuses on the transformation of the physical dimension through practice.

For us in the West, often disconnected from our bodies and unaware of the processes taking place within, living as slaves to our desires, we tend to harm both ourselves and our environment. That is why it's so beneficial to begin our yoga journey—and our deeper self-connection—by observing and regulating the body and breath (through asanas and pranayama) to eventually rise toward higher dimensions.

The aim of Hatha Yoga is never physical exercise for its own sake. Instead, it is about achieving yoga (union)ó through mastery of the body and breath. The physical benefits—like maintaining health and youthfulness, or restoring lost balance—are simply wonderful, yet secondary effects of regular practice.

Hatha Yoga also incorporates the yamas and niyamas, ethical and self-discipline principles found in Raja Yoga, the path of meditation. These form the foundation of the so-called royal path, which Hatha Yoga helps prepare us for—because ultimately, all forms of yoga aim for unity with the Supreme Self.

In fact, the term “Hatha” itself refers to this unity: ó“Ha”ó symbolizing the sun and “Tha” the moon—representing their merging within us.

Integrating yogic principles into Western life

Based on my experience, the most effective way to internalize these yogic principles is through practices like Yoga Nidra and mindfulness, built into regular sessions. Patanjali emphasized the importance of these principles in the Yoga Sutras, placing them at the very beginning of the eightfold yogic path. To me, this means we shouldn't even begin deep asana practice without following the ethical foundations.

Observing these principles creates a calmer, more balanced life—making it possible to disconnect from external distractions and focus solely on the self, the practice, and eventually, the path of meditation.

 

The Foundations of My Hatha Yoga Classes

Asanas (Postures):
Anatomically aligned, supportive positions. Designed to counter the effects of a sedentary or fast-paced lifestyle. Preparing the body for extended meditative postures. Classes range from more static Hatha to flowing sequences (flow, vinyasa).

Pranayama (Breath Control):
Expansion and increase of prana (vital life force). Proper posture and breath awareness allow prana to circulate freely in the body, significantly boosting energy. Breath also acts as a bridge between body and mind—supporting inner stillness, sensory withdrawal from the external world, and preparation for focus and meditation.

Bandhas (Energy Locks):
Internal locks that influence psychic knots (granthis) which block the free flow of energy in the body.

Yoga Nidra & Mindfulness:
Yogic sleep and self-awareness techniques that utilize altered states of consciousness to promote deep inner transformation.