Hatha Yoga is an ancient discipline that explores, develops, and integrates the body, mind, and spirit. Yoga systematically stretches and strengthens muscles throughout the body, increases circulation to internal organs and glands, quiets the nervous system, and improves concentration. This ancient system of self-care brings vitality, health, deep relaxation, and peace of mind.

The meaning of the word “yoga” is to yoke or to join. The goal of yoga is the joining of the body, mind, and spirit. The development of yoga predates written history. It is not a religion. It has no creed or fixed set of beliefs. Yoga is a system of techniques that can be used for a number of goals from simply managing stress better, learning to relax, and increasing limberness to becoming more self-aware and acquiring the deepest knowledge on oneself.

Hatha yoga is the branch of yoga concerned with asanas or postures. These postures are intended to prepare the body to sit in meditation. Through the asanas, we stretch and strengthen our muscles, increase our flexibility, and the mobility of our joints. With continual practice, our body becomes stronger and we begin to feel better. All of our little aches and pains disappear.

When our body is free from aches and pains, we are able to focus and quiet the mind. When we can sit in stillness our mind can also become still. This is the opportunity for meditation.

As Christians, we want to meditate on God’s word. God promises to keep us in perfect peace when we keep our minds fixed on Him. (Isaiah 26:3). Yoga helps us to control our wandering minds. Yoga gives us techniques to bring peace to our mind and our body.