Style Spotlight: Hatha with Gabe

For this interview, we talked to our co-owner Gabe and one of our long-time students, Christine Baker!

In conversation with Gabe:

In your own words, how would describe the style of your class?

Hatha is the bones, it's the foundation, it's the bread and butter of a yoga practice. Because it's slow and deliberate, you have time to really break things down and repeat shapes in multiple different ways in order to really learn something. In this style, I have time to really teach which, believe it or not, isn't always possible in faster-moving classes. And, you, the student, have time to learn through repetition and integration. It's heavy on props and stability and it's just an all-around win for everyone.

What do you like about teaching this style?

I like the pacing of hatha. When I'm teaching this style, I have time to give lots of cues, set up interesting and effective props setups and show people what a pose progression might look like. There's no rush, no “place to be,” besides in the experience of whatever shape we're making, or whatever breath work we are doing. If we're not rushing, then we have time to get really quiet and still and LISTEN. In this class, I get to teach people to pay attention, to go inward, to feel and experience each moment. When we go slow, we have a better chance to be present and attentive.

Additionally, most of the time in Hatha, everyone can comfortably do every pose. There are so many modifications and stages of poses to offer that everyone can come away feeling accomplished and that they had a complete, well-rounded practice.

What do you like about practicing this style?

I like that it's a blank canvas for exploration. More than any other style, I feel that when I practice Hatha, I can really dive into anything that interests me. And, hopefully, I come up with something that interests you! The classical shapes of yoga are the skeleton of my practice, but there are so many fun and interesting ways to get to them and to play around with them once you're there. Hatha gives me the chance to experiment and feel around for what's going to work. It is also the magical mix of soft and strong, movement and stillness and sthira (groundedness) with sukha (ease). Sthira/sukha could be considered the “goal” of each pose and subsequently the practice as a whole.

Why do you think students should practice this style?

If you want to learn yoga, as a discipline, Hatha is your jam. Because we spend time breaking shapes down into component parts, practicing shapes in different orientations to gravity and using props to assist our bodies, we truly learn the poses deep in our bones. Do regular Hatha and you will see your practice accelerate and deepen quickly.

In conversation with Christine:

How would you describe this style of class?

To describe yoga is a difficult task for me. It almost seems to be a moving target. When asked to define a Hatha Yoga practice I tend to think of people who have type O blood. They are universal donors and can help anyone in a health emergency who needs blood. Hatha yoga is a bit like a universal donor in my opinion. No matter your experience level, your current energy level, your flexibility, your current mindset, etc; a Hatha practice can be of service to you.

Hatha yoga can include, on any given day, all of the following: breath work, held poses, flow from one pose to another, a slow deliberate build to a peak pose, and of course, savasana. Everyone is encouraged to incorporate props when necessary and even if not needed. From the most experienced yogi to the beginner; taking the time to build your practice from the smallest movement to the peak pose allows for learning along the way and the time and attention needed to find each practitioners' fullest expression of a pose.

Why do you practice this style?

I love a good Hatha practice! It leaves me feeling like I've accomplished something personal. No one else will experience the practice the way I do; whether I think it was easy or ridiculously hard. I find it encouraging to glance around the room and see yogis of all levels and remind myself that I was a beginner once and I learned from the teacher and the other students in class. I also know that regular attendance at a Hatha class means I will move my body in every direction and have the chance to work on all the parts from the smallest to the biggest. Definitely a universal donor…