I normally prefer an Ashtanga or Vinyasa flow class - why should I try Traditional Tantric Hatha Yoga?

Traditional Tantric Hatha includes a full spectrum of practices to help to guide and underpin our individual lives:

• Asanas (physical postures)

• Pranyama (breathing techniques)

• Kriya (meditation)

• Kırtan/Bhakti yoga (chanting)

• Pranadharyna (cultivation and movement of energy)

• Yantra (Numerology)

• Ayurveda (literally translated meaning ‘The Science of Life’)  

Traditional Tantric Hatha focuses on using the breath and longer holds in postures to help quieten the mind and soften our thoughts in preparation for meditation.

For years Rach practiced various flows and more dynamic types of yoga until she discovered that according to Ayurveda, we actually need a yoga practice that is counter to what we think we need in order to maintain balance and, ultimately, our health and well being. Think about what happens when we add heat to an already stoked fire!

Those of us that enjoy racing around and filling our lives with activities, would more than likely benefit from a gentler and more calming practice. Contrary to what we think we need, unfortunately. 

There are lots of different styles of yoga and various influences since yoga became popular in the West around 50 or 60 years ago. These include Ashtanga, Iyengar and Hot Yoga to name but a few. Tantric Hatha Yoga is based on the ancient teachings written over 8000 years ago and it can be said that this forms the basis for many of the contemporary styles we have experienced today. Many of the teachers can be tracked back to the same lineage and have created their own language and unique style. 

The ancient yogis used the physical practice of working with asanas (physical postures) to access meditation and ultimate ‘bliss’ (samadhi in Sanskrit). 

Hatha Yoga focuses on harnessing the breath in order to quieten and calm the mind so that we can access the inner voice of truth and wisdom that sits in each of us. 

Do I need to be flexible?

No.

Traditional Tantric Hatha Yoga is rooted in the connection between breath, mind and body. And it’s personal and unique to you . How our bodies move from one day to the next changes according to environment, hormones, energy levels, how much we have slept, what we have eaten, our emotional interactions…basically we are ever changing and growing. What challenges us one day can feel easy the next, and vice versa. The more we practice, the more we feel into these changes and challenges.

Everybody’s body is different and yoga enables us to tune into our bodies experience. You can practice yoga every day and be able to balance on one arm but still be out of sync emotionally. 

Flexibility has nothing to do with the quality of your yoga practice. 

Can I join a class if I am pregnant or have recently had a baby?

Yes of course, but please let Rach know that you’re pregnant or have had a baby recently before the class begins so she can help you with modifications during class.

You can always book in for a private class beforehand so that you feel more confident to practice safely using the appropriate pregnancy modifications.

See how you are feeling, and if you are unsure in any way, then maybe it isn’t the right time for you to attend a class. 

If you would like to do some yoga during pregnancy or after giving birth and don’t have a home practice, Rach can work with you to create a personal routine for that meets the needs of you and your body.

What do I need to take part in a class?

The following is a list of things which may be helpful prior to the class:

• Enough space to swing a cat, and a mat:

  • Make sure you have enough space in the room you plan to take part in the class - enough to stretch out arms and legs in each direction (above can be modified) and be able to lie fully flat.

  • A yoga or exercise mat is preferable but not essential - yogi’s were practicing yoga for thousands of years before mats were invented! A non-slip surface is best.

• Wear comfortable clothes:

  • Shorts, leggings, t-shirts and vest tops, bare feet are ideal for gripping.

• Have any props you need: 

  • Blanket (if your temperature can drop)

  • Block
    This is used as a prop to help with alignment. You can use a big book, box/ tub instead. But no need to worry too much, Rach will offer modifications for each pose.

  • Belt/ strap
    This is used as a prop to help with alignment with the spine. Other people have used ties and dressing gown ties instead. Again, no need to worry too much, Rach will offer modifications.

• Tech stuff:

  • Ensure you have a good internet connection for Zoom and battery on your device!

  • Rach will send a link to you for the class once you have booked and you will receive a follow up email from Zoom with details as to how to join the class.

  • Make sure you will be able to hear the class your device - connecting yo a speaker can be helpful.

    Please note, the class may be recorded but not for public use.
    

• General

  • Be free from any interruptions - advise family/ friends that you would like some quiet time for the next hour and a half. Allow yourself the full experience of attending a yoga class.

  • Allow a short time and personal space after the practice for reflection, to gather your thoughts or make notes in a journal.

  • Be mindful that these practices, although gentle, are working at a deep level and have an impact on the body/ mind, especially as we when we are detoxifying and cleansing with Moon classes.

  • It can be a few hours, days later that things may arise and present themselves. Be mindful, and kind to yourself. Have a bath, go for a walk, call a friend.
    
    

    Get in touch with Rach if you’d like to chat or have queries.
    rach.itsallyoga@gmail.com
    

What can I expect from a Traditional Tantric Hatha Yoga class with Rach?

Probably some dogs in the background, maybe in the foreground. Possibly some chickens… but definitely a class that is personal and tailored to you as an individual, or the group. 

Each class will last for around 90 minutes and will include physical postures (asanas) for about an hour, followed by a short breathing practice (pranayama) and meditation (kriya) to finish.

Tantric Hatha follows the principle that in order to fully realise our true potential, and inner sense of purpose, we first need to harness an inner stillness, connection and focus.

We do this by cultivating energy through breathwork and physical postures, following the 3 Stages of Tantric Hatha Yoga: MOON, SUN & FIRE.

“Once the moon has been steady, the sun can begin to rise.”

I haven’t meditated before, how will I know what to do? What happens?

Don’t worry, you will be guided through each of the steps. 

Like the physical postures, everyone’s experience of meditation is unique to them. Allow things to unfold and try to relax through the process. At this stage in the class, you will be calmer and more relaxed anyway so try not to put too much pressure on yourself to ‘get it right’, or for something to happen. This is not always the case. 

Just because we try to meditate, it doesn’t mean our mind stops thinking automatically! Stay focused on the breathing and, encourage your mind to let go of thoughts as they come into your consciousness.  You don’t have to try to achieve anything — just a place of stillness, where no effort is required.

There is no such thing as a good or bad meditation. There is only awareness in the moment . If you realise that you have become lost in thought,  you have awareness and that’s when you return to the object of focus (usually the breath). And that’s it. Just keep returning from your distracted thoughts to the breath, all the time honing your awareness. 

It is called a practice because it takes time to develop the process that works for you. After a while, the periods between awareness and distraction will get longer and longer and you will feel more comfortable knowing how to access meditation.  And remember that on some days it will be feel great and on others it might not feel as good. It’s all ok. The important thing is to give yourself the space and time to practice. 

Do I have to join a group class?

Not if you don’t feel comfortable. 

Rach offers 1:1s and can create a personlised class just for you.  This can be particularly beneficial for those who are completely new to yoga and would like an introduction as to how yoga can specifically support you.

Get in touch for more details - rach.itsallyoga@gmail.com

What are Rach’s qualifications?

Rach qualified at The Practice in Bali with teachers Octavio Salvador, Karina Guthrie and Keli Dierings. receiving a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate and is a member of Yoga Alliance.

A committed student and teacher of yoga, Rach has 250 hours of Accredited Yoga Teacher Training, plus Level 3 Exercise to Music instructor and have specialised work with older and Vulnerable Adults. Rach has completed Rod Stryker’s Parayoga Nidra course, further training with Yoga Campus in the History of Female Yoga Practitioners and Dysfunctional Breathing with Yoga Campus, and The Science of Touch Masterclass with Eddie Ulm. Other courses include Bhakti, or Devotional Sound, with Ellen Arthur and Keli Deirings‘s Beyond The Veil course and mentoring programme.

Rach is studying for her 300 hour teacher training certificate with Karina Guthrie and Natalie Backman. This Embodied Shakti program completes in June 2022.

If your question isn’t answered above, you can email Rach directly - rach.itsallyoga@gmail.com