Stop Repeating Yourself: Vinyasa means Flow

I recently took one of the worst practices I have ever attended. Had I been in the back of the room I may have walked out. I wasn’t. I was second row and far from the door. I had to make a decision and I chose to stay and do my own practice. I have never done that before. I have walked out of a poorly guided practice, just once. As a teacher I am comfortable allowing those who join my guided classes vary the postures, within reason, but if someone in one of my classes began doing completely different postures than the ones I was suggesting I would definitely be concerned.

Symmetry Is Important

Vinyasa translates to mean   configuration, order, connection, composition.  It is often translated as "a sequence of postures linked together to  create flow."    If you watch video of B.K.S. Iyengar you can see him both working slowly on the technique of the postures and then demonstrating that technique in Vinyasa.  

Technique is the key to the grace and control of a postural flow.  Each movement begins and ends in the same way.  Everything done on the left, is then repeated on the right.  The symmetry of the sequence and in technique creates the beauty of Vinyasa.

Learn How Your Body Moves

Have you tried belly dancing?  Pole dancing? Ballet?  Attempting any of these without first establishing the roots of the movements can result in serious injury.  Yoga Asana should be seen in the same light.    Don't jump into a Vinyasa practice.  Learn how to move intelligently and then slowly increase the pace.

​A rapid paced series of movements are useful when you already understand how to go though them slowly.  Taking your time  to feel each muscle engage and release, support and expand, gives you the awareness necessary to move more and more quickly in safe ways.

Find a Knowledgeable Guide

Thousands of people are now calling themselves Yoga instructors.   Thousands of training programs exist.  Thousands of Vinyasa classes are available.  How are you to choose the "right" one?  

DON'T 

Instead, begin with  a more simple practice like Hatha.  Even if you aren't  new to the practice.  These classes will help you to develop the roots you will need.  The teacher should allow you the time to find and remain in the posture an experience all that happens while you are there.  The sequence may repeat and build as you move through each new series.    As you gain prowess in the postures, you can ask your teacher what class is most appropriate for you to attempt next.

Afterward, You Should Feel Good

After a quality Vinyasa practice you should not feel like you've had your ass kicked and a good workout.  You should not be exhausted and beat up.  Because you have prepared your body, mind and energy, the flow of movement and breath should give you a sense of inner awareness and depth of self.  Your body should feel supple, your mind quiet.  As you rest in savasana you may experience Nidra.

If you are ready to learn Asana techniques that will help you move toward Vinyasa join the practice at Lake Tahoe Yoga.  Not sure where to begin?  Contact us for suggestions.