Get moving with Kabalah (yoga, that is)

Yoga isn’t just about the body. While the physical benefits are well known, there’s also a strong spiritual side to this increasingly popular mode of exercise. The philosophy and meditative practices have deep roots in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, and the practice focuses on the unity of the body, mind and spirit.

Now a more recent type of yoga is embracing another ancient, mystical tradition: Kabalah.

If you’re not familiar with the term, Kabalah refers to a body of ancient Jewish mystical traditions based on seeking knowledge about the universe, its purpose and its creator — and our connection to these important elements. (As you may know, part of the tradition has to do with esoteric interpretations of the Old Testament — kind of like a code-breaker’s reading of the text.) Many of the ideas are complex: essentially language is thought to be a way to receive knowledge and understanding, and even the letters themselves are thought to have their own energy and spirituality.

So what does this have to do with yoga? The two traditions may seem like an odd couple, but for Kabalah Yoga® creator Audi Gozlan they are a perfect pair. The key is the postures, or asanas. While performing the Warrior II during a yoga class, Gozlan realized the pose also formed alef, a letter in the Hebrew alphabet. The epiphany made him look at yoga in a whole new way. Instead of asanas based on flora and fauna, the poses of Kabalah Yoga shape the letters of the Hebrew alphabet and spell out meaningful words and ideas.

It’s more than just a physical spelling class, and nothing like the YMCA dance. The letters are the basis for meditation and provide a spiritual connection. Every Hebrew letter has a body, breath and soul. By assuming certain postures, participants can draw on the powers of the Hebrew letters.

What if you aren’t Jewish? Contrary to what you might expect, Kabalah isn’t limited to Judaism: its principles are universal and complement rather than conflict with other beliefs and practices. Likewise, Kabalah yoga doesn’t require anyone to convert — it’s open to anyone willing to embrace both the physical and spiritual side of the discipline.

What about the physical side of the equation? You don’t have to be an expert: it’s suitable for many levels and abilities, including beginners. You’ll still enjoy many of the health benefits of yoga like increased muscle strength and flexibility, protection from falls, reduced stress and protection against certain diseases — the form is just a little different.

Need a demonstration? Check out this short clip on Kabalah Yoga:

(Trouble viewing it? Try this link instead.)

This form has been around for a few years now, and Gozlan isn’t the only one to merge the traditions of Kabalah and yoga. Other similar traditions include Naam Yoga, Ophanim Yoga, Torah Yoga and Alpha-bet Yoga. There are several books and DVDs on the market, including Torah Yoga: Experiencing Jewish Wisdom Through Classic Postures by Diane Bloomfield, Kabbalah Yoga – Ambitious Beginners and Yvonne Dayan’s Kabbalah Yoga: Creating Your Own Fountain of Youth. The ideas are similar, but each tradition and teacher has different routines and practices.

While Kabalah Yoga isn’t for everyone, it’s certainly worth a look if you’re up for something new. Kabalah Yoga isn’t widespread in North America, but it is possible to find classes and demonstrations in major cities like New York, Los Angeles and Montreal (where Gozlan teaches).

ON THE WEB
For more information, visit www.kabalahyoga.com.
To find out more about Naam Yoga, visit www.naamyoga.com.

ON TV
Starting with its world premier on October 10, ONE: the Body, Mind & Spirit channel will be airing Kabalah Yoga With Audi Gozlan on Sundays at 9:00 am, 11:30 am and 6:00 pm ET. Shot on location in Canada and Israel, each episode teaches a practical lesson in life through the implementation of yoga postures and through the deep wisdom of Kabalah.

Visit Onebodymindspirit.com for more details and programming highlights.

PLUS! Kabalah Yoga® creator Audi Gozlan will be a presenter at ideaCity 2011, also known as “Canada’s Premier Meeting of the Minds”. Coming up soon on June 15, 16 & 17. Find out details here.

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