Hidden Language: Contemplative Hatha Yoga
Hidden Language Hatha Yoga is a gentle and meditative style of Hatha
that honors the body as a spiritual tool. By working with metaphor,
symbolism, imagery and visualization, the ‘hidden’ messages of each
asana are revealed. This class includes asana practice, time for
personal reflection, and the opportunity to share insights. Open to all
levels. Please bring a journal.
Hidden Language Hatha Yoga: Symbols,
Secrets, & Metaphor Developed by Swami Radha:
Hidden Language Hatha
Yoga takes the practice of Hatha Yoga far beyond a series of physical
exercises. It is a gentle and meditative style of Hatha that respects
the body as a spiritual tool. By working with metaphor, symbolism,
imagery and visualization, the ‘hidden’ messages of each asana are
revealed. Hidden Language starts with the very personal – your
observations, your mind, your body, your relationship to the world. And
it expands out to the universal, to the mythologies of our cultures, to
the subtle force sustaining all life. The asanas are practiced not only
for their physical benefits, but also to understand the psychological
and symbolic meanings, to demonstrate how each asana can increase
spiritual awareness. For those accustomed to physically intense or
rigorous Hatha traditions, Hidden Language will be a change of pace, a
chance to go deeper into the body and the mystical potential of each
asana. The atmosphere of a class is quiet and self-directed. The
instructor offers principles – such as spinal awareness, moving with the
breath, relaxing in the movements, and observing physical, mental and
emotional responses – but you are given responsibility for your own self
and your own insights. Students take time between asanas to write down
observations. At the end of class there is a deep relaxation, then the
class gathers together to share their reflections. Swami Sivananda Radha
writes: “It is up to each person to think intuitively, to investigate,
to inquire, because the yoga teacher will not take the joy and pleasure
of discovery from a student. Beyond the spoken word lies intuitive
listening. The mystical message in Hatha Yoga must be understood by
intuitive perception. An excellent way to develop this is by taking time
to reflect.”