Namaskaram!
As we embark on our yoga journey, it’s important to remember that it’s not just another workout routine, but a transformative path towards self-improvement. However, to reap the maximum benefits of Hatha Yoga, it’s crucial to create an ideal environment within ourselves before and during practice.
In this article, we will unveil the secrets of Classical Hatha Yoga and provide you with six essential guidelines you must follow to create the perfect environment for your daily yoga practice.
Eyes Closed: The Entrance to Serenity and Silence
Your eyes are the windows to the external world, but when you close them, you unlock the gateway to the inner world. By shutting off the visual distractions, you can create a space of internalization, essential for accessing your deepest thoughts and emotions. Closing your eyes allows you to focus inward and experience profound inner peace and stillness.(While practicing Hatha Yoga, majority of times we keep our eyes closed to facilitate inner focus and introspection. However, there are a few specific asanas that require us to keep our eyes open to maintain balance)
Empty Stomach: The Essential Element for Elevated Spiritual Growth
The ancient yogis believed that the body is a temple, and to connect with the divine, one must keep it pure and free from any impurities. Practicing yogasanas on an empty stomach allows the energy to flow unobstructed through the body, clearing the path to work towards higher dimensions of life. Make sure to empty your bowels before your practice.
Cold Water: The Fountain of Youth and Vitality
Before starting your practice, immerse yourself in water that is five to eight degrees centigrade cooler than the room temperature. This temperature difference opens up the pores in your skin, allowing your body’s cellular structure to be charged with a new dimension of energy. If you live in a cold country or are prone to getting mild colds, try adding a spoonful of eucalyptus oil to cold water and pouring it over yourself during the first few weeks. This may help alleviate your cold symptoms.The rejuvenating effects of cold water can keep you youthful and full of vitality.
Frequency of Practice: The Power of Consistent Practice for Personal Transformation
Yogasanas are not just physical exercises; they are a way to mold your body, mind, and spirit into a new shape. The more you practice, the more you knead your body into this new form, undoing the rigidity that comes from established memory or karma. Consistency is key to unlocking the path to transformation and growth.
Reflecting on Distractions: How Mirrors and Music Can Hinder Self-Discovery Yoga is not about the external appearance but the internal experience. Using mirrors and listening to music during your practice can distract you from connecting with your innermost self. Yoga demands complete involvement of your body, mind, energy, and core, and any external distractions can hamper this involvement. Focus on your inner self to unlock the secrets of Classical Yoga.
Surrendering to Silence: Unleashing Inner Wisdom Through Quiet Contemplation
Asanas are a dynamic way of meditating, and speaking during practice can disrupt this process. To achieve a natural state of meditative bliss, silence is crucial. Avoid any unnecessary chatter and use your breath as your anchor to connect with your innermost self and unlock the full potential of your practice.
In conclusion, practicing Hatha Yoga is not just about exercising the body but a transformative journey towards inner peace and self-discovery.
Embark on a transformative journey towards spiritual growth and vitality by following these six essential guidelines. And please don’t forget to share this article with your loved ones who are also seeking the path to self-discovery.
As I started practicing Hatha Yoga, I found it difficult to keep my eyes closed. I had trouble maintaining my balance and the urge to peek and adjust my posture was too strong.
One day, a friend shared with me the power of practicing yoga with closed eyes. He used to practice 108 Surya Namaskars per day before getting introduced to Isha Yoga. However, after practising Isha hatha yoga he discovered that one cycle of Surya Kriya with closed eyes was way more powerful than 108 cycles of Surya Namaskar.
This realization was a game changer for me. It opened my eyes to the immense potential of keeping eyes closed. With discipline and dedication, I was able to overcome my initial challenges and experience the true bliss of Hatha Yoga.
We want to hear from you too! Which guideline do you find most challenging?
Please tell me in comment section, I will try to help you to overcome it. Let your journey to self-discovery begin!
Learning about why keeping eyes closed is great. Thanks.
But eyes closed is not a challenge for me. For me with irregular bowel movements in general, having a bowel movement in the morning before yoga for not happen always.
And my other challenge is the discipline of consistent practice..
As for the challenge of consistent practice, discipline can indeed be difficult to maintain specially in the begining. Start with small, achievable goals and gradually build up your practice over time. Celebrate each step forward, and be kind to yourself during the process. Remember that progress is a journey, and every effort counts. Keep up the dedication, and you will witness the positive impact of consistent practice. Best of luck on your yoga journey!
Thank you for sharing the guidelines in detail. Always it is great reading of all your articles
Thanks to you for always reading these blogs.Your support is greatly appreciated!
Thanx for writing such an informative and motivating blogs.keep writing and and sharing.
I’m glad you found the blogs informative and motivating. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement.
A consistent practice is sometimes difficult for me. Sometimes I wake up too tired. However, yoga or the asana/physical aspect is part of me now, and each morning I eventually turn to yogasanas and breath work.
When I am really pressed for time I think of a few things; moving and being in grace, gratitude for the day, food, water and inclusiveness. I mentally say “I am not the body, I am not even the mind”. I try and that is all I can do.
Your blogs are very helpful and informative.
Thank you
Well written article. I remember when I started practicing yogasanas its hard to close eyes and focus. It took me long time to close but I felt huge difference now with eyes closed.I still sometimes struggle with empty bowel condition .keep writing
Thank you for your kind words about the article. I understand the challenges of closing your eyes and maintaining focus when you first start practicing yogasanas. It can take time and practice to develop that ability, but I’m glad to hear that you now experience a significant difference with your eyes closed. As for the empty bowel condition, it can be a common struggle for many practitioners. Try to finish your dinner on time and listen to your body when it comes to eating.
As a last resort you can also consume Triphla for some time and then take break.
Great summary! Thanks for sharing!!
Thank you for your appreciation and for taking the time to read.
First of all, gratitude for offering me the great process of yogasanas!
Like others, also being a beginner, keeping eyes closed throughout the practice is still in progress for me. Also, as most of them have shared emptying bowel before the practice is not always the case for me as well.
Thanks for sharing this great piece of information and wisdom 🙏🏼
Thank you for your kind words, and I wish you continued success and growth on your yoga journey. 🙏🏼It is completely normal to face challenges, such as keeping your eyes closed throughout the practice. Remember, progress comes with patience and consistent effort.
Thank you 🙏 for sharing this information! It is immensely useful as I get into my practices and understand why it needs to be done with closed eyes! Please keep blogging n help us transform ourselves 😊🙏😊
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. I’ll continue to share valuable insights and support you on your transformational journey. Keep practicing and embracing the transformative power of yoga! 🙏😊🙏
Great post! 😊
Sometimes keeping the eyes open when needed during yogasanas is hard with dry eyes. I sometimes can only keep them only half open through the posture.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts!Practising yogasanas with closed eyes gives a more introspective experience. And is very important.
For eye drops you can use some ayurvedic or herbal eye drops that would help you with dry eye problem.
Thank you for this insightful and inspiring share! I appreciated learning about the why’s behind the how:)🙏🏻
My challenges are the cold water and frequency. I am capable of taking a cold shower but winter time gets difficult and i drop it.
I’ve not had daily practices until just last year so to develop this takes some effort:). I’m working on improving 😊
Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad you found the information insightful and inspiring. Understanding the reasons behind the practices can indeed deepen our appreciation for them. As for the challenges you mentioned, taking cold showers during winter can be tough. Remember, progress is a journey, and it’s perfectly alright to take your time. Consistency is key, and with effort, you’ll gradually improve your daily practices. Keep up the great work! 🙏🏻
Love how you put it “Asanas are a dynamic way of meditating.” This is so true! When I focus on my breath and breath slightly deeper than normal, I am definitely meditating! Good guidelines to keep in mind. Thank you!