BUILDING A YOGA PRACTICE FOR ENERGETIC HEALING & ALIGNMENT

Yoga and Energy

From its Tantric roots, at the heart of Hatha Yoga lays a practice grounded energetic principles. Masculine energy is shaped by the ‘ha’ in hatha, representing the sun, heat, force, and strength. Feminine energy is embodied in “Tha”, representing the moon, softness, stillness, open expression. If we understand that within each of us is a balance of divine masculine and divine feminine energies, we can see that yoga is a practice that intertwines the two and brings us to equilibrium.

What Do You Need?

The question becomes what is it that you need? What resonates with you? Do you feel like you would benefit more from the fire the strength the force? Or do you intuitively feel like you need a softer more soothing practice? We as humans are full of dualities and polarities, so more often than not, we do need a bit of both. However, knowing the difference allows you to intentionally build a yogic routine that is more supportive of your needs at certain times.

Maybe you’re looking to cleanse the body, to build mental resistance and discipline, maybe you are feeling lethargic or unmotivated. These are all instances when an energising practice that channels masculine energy would be very beneficial. On the other hand, if you are feeling overstimulated, emotionally physically or mentally stressed, or maybe you’re looking for inspiration and creativity to flow, these are times when a practice with soothing feminine energy would be supportive.

Building The Right Session

Along with the type of yoga practice that you do, the time of day can play a major role in the effectiveness and the cohesion within the body and mind. Participating in an energising class in the morning works in harmony with our Circadian rhythm. It energises you, it can enhance focus and mental clarity, in turn preparing you for a great start to the day. However, if practised in the evening your nervous system can become confused. If a session incorporates āsanas that are stimulating on the nervous system, like deep backbends for example, it could interfere with your sleep cycle.

Similarly, a restorative and soothing class in the evening synchronises with your natural rhythms and cycles. It will calm the nervous system and prepare you for a deep and restful sleep. However, the same principle also applies here. If a restorative soothing session with deeply calming forward bends and long exhales is practised in the morning, this could create lethargy and tiredness through the rest of the day affecting your energy and productivity.

HA – Divine Masculine

For a stronger morning session, that will: Increase energy and focus, improve strength and stability, cleanse the body, start the day in an uplifting way… We recommend including the following postures and tips. These will work together to create a Brāhmana (energising) practice.

Initiating postures or sequences with the right side of the body

Surya Namaskar, sun salutations to build heat and open the physical body

Backbends, such as Bhujangāsana (Cobra Pose) and Urdhva Dhanurāsana (Wheel Pose)

Lateral bends, such as Parshvakonāsana (Side Angle Pose)

Focusing on holds that challenge you physically and mentally

Focusing on longer inhales

Yogic breathing practices that emphasise the inhale, such as Kapalabhati

THA – Divine Feminine

For a softer divinely feminine evening session, that will: Reduce physical, mental, and emotional stress, prepare mind and body for a restful night’s sleep, nourish you with gentle movement and breath, allow you the time to turn inward and connect deeply… We recommend including the following postures and tips. These will work together to create a Langhana (calming) practice.

Initiating postures or sequences with the left side of the body

Forward bends, such as Paschimottanāsana (Seated Forward Bend Pose), Balāsana (Child’s Pose), and Janu Shirshāsana (Head to Knee Pose)

Using a bolster, blocks, and blankets to support postures allowing you to hold them for a longer period of time

Focusing on longer exhales

Yogic breathing practices that stimulate the vagus nerve and help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, like Ujjayi breathing (Ocean breathing) and 3 part breathing.

Balance and Healing

It is worth noting that of course, a well-sequenced session can be both energising and relaxing. When the effects on the nervous system are balanced, we call this Sama Vritti. This is a wonderful way of practising that is flexible but doesn’t always help you on that deeper energetic level. An intentional Brāhmana or Langhana practice is an incredible way to support yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually. It encourages you to tune into your being and understand what it is you truly need.

There you have it… the exact formula you need for a yoga practice that brings you closer to where you want and need to be. This deeper more intentional way of practicing yoga can support huge growth and transformation not just on your mat, but also in your daily life.

Love and Light,
The Eye of Hatha Team