Beyond the Posture: Classical Hatha Yoga at Citta Flow

Yoga is more than movement. It is a pathway towards a steadier body, a quieter mind, and a deeper sense of well-being.

Recently, as part of my yoga therapy training with Dr. Ganesh Mohan, I’ve been revisiting the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Although I first studied this foundational text during my 350-hour yoga teacher training, returning to it through a more authentic, clear, and consistent lens has been a real eye-opener.

It has encouraged me to reflect on what yoga truly offers, and how different that can be from the way yoga is often presented today.

What Is Classical Hatha Yoga?

At Citta Flow Yoga in Kalamunda, we teach classical Hatha Yoga, incorporating asana, pranayama, and meditation as interconnected practices.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, traditionally understood to have been compiled nearly two millennia ago, are a foundational text of yoga philosophy and one of the most significant works on the mind, suffering, and liberation.

The text consists of 195 concise aphorisms, or sutras, which have traditionally been studied through Sanskrit commentaries. In the translation I’m reading by Dr. Ganesh Mohan, the classical understanding preserved through Vyasa and later commentaries is presented with clarity and discipline.

Returning to these teachings has deepened my understanding of what we are practising when we step onto the yoga mat.

Beyond the Physical Posture

One important aspect of the Yoga Sutras is the understanding that asana is not simply about achieving a particular shape with the body.

Patanjali describes asana through the qualities of sthira and sukha — steadiness and ease.

This speaks to finding a balance between effort and relaxation. Too much force can create rigidity and unnecessary strain, while too little stability can leave the body unsupported.

Our bodies need both strength and adaptability. Healthy movement requires coordination, awareness, and the ability to respond to change.

At Citta Flow, we encourage students to explore how a posture feels in their own body, rather than focusing solely on how it looks.

We are not fighting with the body. We are learning to work with it.

The Breath Is Part of the Practice

Breath is an essential part of classical Hatha Yoga.

Rather than treating pranayama as something entirely separate from asana, we emphasise the relationship between breath and movement throughout our classes.

The breath becomes a guide, helping us move with greater awareness and connection. It encourages us to pay attention to what is happening within, rather than becoming distracted by external performance or comparison.

Of course, there are specific pranayama techniques that we practise as dedicated exercises, often towards the end of a Hatha Yoga class. But the awareness and use of breath throughout our physical practice is equally important.

When movement and breath work together, the practice becomes more than physical exercise. It becomes an opportunity to develop steadiness, focus, and a deeper connection with ourselves.

From the Body Towards a Quieter Mind

Classical Hatha Yoga offers a pathway from physical awareness towards deeper practices of yoga, including pranayama and meditation.

As we become more aware of the body and breath, we can begin to cultivate a more settled and attentive mind.

This doesn't mean that life's challenges disappear, or that physical discomfort is always absent. Rather, the practice can help us develop a different relationship with the ups and downs of life.

When the mind becomes quieter and more stable, we may find that external circumstances have less power to disturb our sense of balance.

This is part of the deeper purpose of yoga: not simply changing the body, but developing greater awareness of how we experience and respond to life.

Yoga at Citta Flow

At Citta Flow Yoga in Kalamunda, we teach a classical pathway of yoga and well-being through:

• Classical Hatha Yoga: Breath-led movement, postures, and mindful awareness of the body.

• Pranayama: The cultivation of breath awareness and specific breathing practices.

• Meditation: Practices that support concentration, inner steadiness, and a quieter mind.

These practices are not isolated from one another. They form part of a connected approach to yoga that supports both physical and mental well-being.

Our classes are welcoming and accessible, with guidance and options to suit different bodies and levels of experience. You don't need to be flexible or experienced to begin. You simply need a willingness to explore, breathe, and pay attention.

Yoga is not about performing the perfect posture. It is about developing a more aware, steady, and balanced relationship with yourself.

Discover classical Hatha Yoga at Citta Flow Yoga in Kalamunda, Perth Hills, and begin your journey towards greater awareness and well-being.