Unveiling the Self in Menorca with the Timeless Science of Hatha Yoga

IshAum Wellbeing
Apr 16
4 min read

The human longing, that incessant calling within, is for something more than the mundane. It is a yearning to touch the very source of our being, to unravel the mystery of this existence. This is not a mere intellectual pursuit; it is a soul-seeking, a deep-seated desire to know. And for millennia, humanity has turned to the wisdom of Yoga, a science and a process, to navigate this inner terrain.

At IshAum Wellbeing, this ancient wisdom finds a contemporary expression through the gentle yet potent practice of HATHA YOGA. Here, amidst the demands of modern life, you are invited to discover the simplicity and elegance in living a fulfilling life. Hatha Yoga, as offered by IshAum, is not just about bending and stretching; it is a gateway, a carefully crafted path towards alignment, balance and flow within yourself.

Imagine a tree, its roots firmly grounded, its trunk strong and supple, reaching towards the sky. This is the essence of Hatha Yoga – a harmonising of the Ha (sun, representing the active, masculine energy) and the Tha (moon, representing the receptive, feminine energy) within us. It is about bringing equilibrium to the dualities that often pull us in different directions, leading to a state of inner coherence and vitality.

"Wellbeing is the art and science of aligning ourself with the source of life".

Your guide on this journey at IshAum Wellbeing is Gizem Damga, the founder, teacher and therapist. Her approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the holistic nature of wellbeing, integrating Hatha Yoga with Meditation, Reiki and Ayurvedic Marma Massage.

**Hatha Yoga by Gizem Damga in a beautiful forest**

To truly appreciate the depth of Hatha Yoga, we must glance at the richness of its history. Yoga is not a recent fad; its roots delve deep into the soil of ancient Indian Vedic civilisation, with its wisdom passed down through generations of sages and seekers. The very word "yoga" means "to yoke" or "to unite," signifying the realised union of the individual self with the universal consciousness. This yearning for experiencing oneness has been the driving force behind the yogic tradition for thousands of years.

Hatha Yoga, in particular, emerged as a more accessible and physically oriented path within the broader yogic landscape. While earlier forms of yoga often emphasised intense meditation and asceticism, Hatha Yoga provided practical techniques involving physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and purification practices (shatkarmas) to prepare the body and mind for deeper spiritual exploration. It is a foundational practice, laying the groundwork for the more subtle aspects of yoga.

The wisdom of yoga is beautifully codified in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, which outlines the eight limbs (or aspects) of yoga, a progressive path towards self-realisation. Understanding these limbs provides a crucial context for appreciating the role of Hatha Yoga:

Yama (Ethical & Social Actions): These are the ethical and social guidelines for our interactions with the external world, including non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), continence (brahmacharya) and non-possessiveness (aparigraha). They form the moral foundation of yogic practice.
Niyama (Personal Observances): These are the inner disciplines we cultivate, such as purity (shaucha), contentment (santosha), austerity (tapas), self-study (svadhyaya) and surrender to a higher intelligence we may call the source of all creation (ishvara pranidhana - ISHA). They refine our inner landscape.
Asana (Physical Postures): This is where Hatha Yoga primarily resides. The asanas are not mere physical exercises; they are designed to create alignment, stability, strength, and flexibility in the body, while also calming the nervous system and cultivating mental focus. Each posture is an opportunity to become more aware of our body and breath.
Pranayama (Breath Control): The breath is the vital link between the body and the mind. Pranayama techniques involve consciously regulating the breath to influence the flow of prana, the life energy within the body. This practice can calm the mind, increase energy levels and enhance mental clarity.
Pratyahara (Withdrawal of the Senses): This aspect involves consciously drawing our awareness inward, detaching from the external stimuli that constantly bombard our senses. It is a crucial step in cultivating inner peace and preparing for deeper states of meditation.
Dharana (Concentration/Focused Attention): This is the ability to focus the mind on a single point or object without wavering. It develops mental discipline and is a prerequisite for falling into the state of meditation.
Dhyana (Meditation): This is a state of sustained and effortless focused attention and expanded awareness, where the mind becomes still and absorbed in the object of focus. It is a gateway to deeper levels of awareness and insight.
Samadhi (Liberation): This is the ultimate goal of yoga, a state of complete union realised and experienced with the universal consciousness. It is a state of pure awareness, profound peace, bliss and understanding.

By first stabilising the body and regulating the breath, Hatha Yoga prepares the physical and energetic systems, removing obstacles that might hinder deeper meditative experiences. It is about creating a strong and flexible foundation upon which the journey of self-revelation can unfold.

What is the main reason for you practicing Yoga?

For relaxation and peace
For physical strength and flexibility
For exploring your spiritual dimension
Other reasons

But what is the ultimate purpose of this intricate science and process? Yoga, at its core, is a path of self-revelation and self-realisation. It is a systematic methodology for understanding the true nature of the self and the reality in which we exist. It is not about blind faith or dogma; it is about direct experience. Through consistent practice, we begin to peel away the layers of conditioning, the limiting identities and beliefs that obscure our true nature.

Consider the illusion of separation. We perceive ourselves as isolated individuals, distinct from the world around us. Yoga, through its practices, gradually reveals the interconnectedness of all things. It shows us that the boundaries we perceive are often mental constructs, and that at a deeper level, we are all part of the same universal energy. This realisation into recognition brings with it a sense of belonging and a dissolution of the ego's (personal identity) limitations.

At IshAum Wellbeing, you are offered more than just yoga classes; you are invited into a space of balance, inner peace and vitality. The personalised sessions are designed to guide you on a journey of self-discovery and wellbeing, helping you to awaken your own inner wisdom and tap into the boundless source of life within.

As the ancient wisdom reminds us, and as IshAum Wellbeing beautifully embodies, the journey to a fulfilling life begins with aligning yourself with the very source of your being.

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