June Newsletter – Panchakosha and Joint Health

In Gentle Hatha this month, we’ll be exploring the koshas (Panchakosha) and focusing on joint health.

In yoga philosophy, each kosha indicates a particular dimension or sphere of existence. The five energetic layers or “sheaths” of the self encompass the physical, energetic, mental, intellectual (knowing), and blissful aspects of being.

They are often visualized as layers of an onion, with the physical body being the outermost layer and the bliss body (soul) the innermost. The concept of koshas is described in ancient texts, such as the Taittiriya Upanishad (2.1–5). It is believed to provide a framework for understanding the self and the path to self-realization. It is the evolution of consciousness from one level to the next.

June 2 -Annamaya kosha

Nourishing the Physical Body

Theme: Awareness of the physical body (bones, muscles, joints) and how movement supports health and longevity.

Focus: Gentle joint mobilization and strength for structural integrity.

June 9 – Pranamaya kosha

Breath and Energy Flow

Theme: Tending to the energy body through breath and subtle movement.

Focus: Creating space in joints, especially hips and shoulders, through flowing breath and easeful asana.

Where awareness goes, prana flows

June 16 – Manomaya kosha

Emotional Awareness

Theme: Emotions stored in the body as physical tension or discomfort can be gently processed through movement and breath.

Focus: Releasing tension from the joints, especially the spine, hips, and jaw.

June 23 – Vijñānamaya kosha

Intuitive Wisdom

Theme: Mindful movement to cultivate clarity and discernment.

Focus: Awareness on how we move, range of motion, and how we intuitively care for our joints.

June 30 – Anandamaya kosha

Bliss and Integration

Theme: Wholeness is the natural state of the body when the layers are harmonized.

Focus: Gentle integrative movement to celebrate joint resilience and embodied peace.

Ananda hum ananda

🌞Hatha and 🌚 Yin

In Hatha and Yin this month, we’ll focus on the archetypes. In Hatha, that’s the balance of “ha” (sun) and “tha” (moon) with a focus on the basics, including the classical sun salutation. Yin will include Shoelace, Saddle, Caterpillar, Dragonfly, Twist.

☀️ Social Media

Join me @inthehartspace on Instagram in June for a 30 day sun salutation challenge. Start the day with a commitment to simple movement, connecting with the body and breath.

We’ll be re-using January’s hashtag #salutethesun31.