HATHA YOGA - SHADOW STYLE

The term "Shadow" refers to the different layers, or bodies of the human being (physical, energetic, mental, emotional, spiritual, etc.). Shadow yoga works to clear obstructions and heal imbalances in these layers, or shadows.

This leads to an integration of all parts of the individual and the gradual unfolding of the person's innate abilities, wisdom, and capacity for true happiness.

Using various bodily positions adapted from martial arts, dance, yoga and the plant and animal kingdom, obstructions are cleared and prana (life-force/energy) is allowed to flow uninterrupted through the body.

Shadow Style Classes Explained

The Hatha yoga classes integrate these Shadow Yoga forms into the teaching of the primary asanas. This asana work is practiced in both a static and vinyasa (flowing) style, utilising the wisdom from both the Iyengar and Ashtanga traditions.

In a typical class, students are guided through a set of gentle joint-releasing exercises, followed by a dynamic sequence and static asanas (postures), closing with inversions, meditation and pranayama (breathwork).

In the beginners’ classes, strength and flexibility is achieved in the legs and hips (crucial for progression onto more advanced practice) in addition to the cultivation of stamina and lightness-of-body.

Once the foundation has been properly prepared, students can gradually be introduced to the internal energetic aspects of yoga practice, and subsequent levels of practice. This would include more advanced pranayama exercises, bandhas, kriyas, mudras, concentration, and meditation techniques.