About TYW
The Yoga Way is a rare yoga school offering authentic Hatha-yoga in 6-week structured programs. Founded in 1997, the programs are designed to teach the practices of Yoga in smaller and progressive classes with individual instruction. The programs offer a high quality of teaching with sequential learning in a more traditional based setting (re: consecutive classes). Since the school opened it has remained Toronto's only school for structured programs and not drop-in classes. Group and private programs as well as classes are offered in the lineage of AtmaVikasa Yoga, backbending and meditation. The teachings and practices are based on breathing, postures of yoga, focus points, meditation and relaxation.
Whether you are new to Yoga or wiant to enhance your current practice with individualized instruction and guidance, the school offers a holistic approach to learning yoga. Students who take the 6-week programs say, "It provides the best education of Yoga." The Toronto Life Magazine calls "Heather Morton . . . the real deal." TYW welcomes you on the path with compassion, humour and commitment to on-going growth.
About Hatha-Yoga
Yoga is a path, a subject and a means for personal transformation, purification and developing awareness. Today there are many different styles and types of Hatha-yoga (including Ashtanga) including understandings of it. The word 'yogah' is in Sanskrit meaning to unite, yoke and put together. Originating from Northern India the practice spans over a 5,000 year period. While there are 4 main paths the most commonly known is Hatha-yoga; the practice of moving the physical body with the breath in a harmonious stream. The body and mind are united by moving from one posture (called asana) to the next, creating energy and vitality. Raja-yoga (its counterpart) is the practice of meditation or mind control.
AtmaVikasa (Hatha-yoga) is a system developed by Yogacharya Venkatesha of Mysore, India. Atma means individual soul and Vikasa to evolve. It is path of classical hatha-yoga; the umbrella term used to refer to the physical practice of the postures called asanas. The practice has 3 main elements: the breath (the source of energy), the posture (the seat and the connection to the earth) and the gazing point (stilling the mind). This tradition also embraces chant and meditation for it which it makes no apology for. The foundation of AtmaVikasa is based on the motto that experience brings knowledge, light and truthfulness. The following Q & A describes the practice further; what it is, the benefits and how it can serve you.
How does it work? The physical postures increase the flow of 'prana' (the vital life force that lies within all sentient beings). By practising the techniques of yoga both balance and harmony are restored in the body and mind. The techniques are body postures, breathing, gazing points, concentration and relaxation exercises as well as meditation. By learning how to breathe and move the body, the energy is increased, the body freed and the mind expanded. Yoga is a therapeutic means to physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being and development. Another meaning for the word 'Yoga' is moderation (finding the middle ground) and balance.
What is the purpose? On a practical level the postures maintain a healthy body and mind. On an esoteric level, it is channeling the energy of the sun (ha, the right side) with the moon (tha, the left side). These are the 2 most prominent energies in the universe. During the practice a deep heat (tapas) is produced that burns off toxins and impurities. These toxins are stored in the body as tension, stress, fear, depression and anxiety. The life force (the breath, the pranic energy) combined with the movement removes the toxins, transforms the body and bridges the gap between the body, and mind.
Exercise or not? Because of the intense physical movements yoga is defined often as a new-age exercise. Because of the meditative aspects yoga is often understood as a passive exercise in sitting. 'True' yoga holds a space for each of these definitions to exist simultaneously. It is a practice and a tradition that embraces breathing, physical exercise, relaxation and meditation. While the practice can range from vigorous to gentle movements it is not intended to only become exercise. The physical postures are understood as being a part of a much bigger picture. When the practice is limited to the physical level this restricts and limits the potential to grow in other ways. The body is the starting point to calming and re-focusing the mind. It is a journey from the external to the internal; leading to deeper focus, concentration and meditation. The 'whole' of Hatha-yoga is really about learning to breathe, relax, develop strength and flexibility, as well as becoming more balanced, centered and resilient in life.
6-week programs in meditation. Go to Meditation
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