Hatha Yoga
Proper Relaxation

Hatha yoga is unique for maintaining proper health. But that is only one aspect of hatha yoga. It is also a complete step-by-step system that can take you to the ultimate goal of God-realization and perfection. Therefore do not mistakenly think that hatha yoga is only a physical practice for proper health.

At the inception of your practice, however, you will most likely be relating to hatha yoga for proper health. In that perspective, there are five principles that you should observe:

(i) proper exercise, (ii) proper breathing, (iii) proper relaxation, (iv) proper diet and (v) positive thinking.

Proper relaxation

In a Sampoorna yoga class, you learn how to relax on the mat. You will also find that through stretching, working with the body and increasing your circulation, you are releasing a lot of tension from the body. That is why afterwards you experience nice relaxation. But how do you learn to relax in your everyday life? Most people are constantly under stress. They are anxious in their daily lives. Some people’s faces are always tense. They are dissipating their energy. Whatever you learn in your yoga practice, you should also learn to take it with you in your daily life. Learn how to be relaxed, not to constantly clench your face and teeth. When you are in front of your boss, you are undoubtedly tense. Learn abdominal breathing. It helps to quiet the mind.

Shri Yogi Hari