THE SOURCE OF MY TEACHING
Tirumalai Krishnamacharya
Sri T Krishnamacharya is considered the grandfather of modern yoga.
In addition to being a yogi, he was also a well known healer, linguist, musician, researcher, author and expert scholar in the six Indian Schools of Vedic Philosophy. He was a true pioneer in his ability to translate ancient teachings and make them relevant in a modern context.
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MINDFUL YOGA
Mindful Yoga is the yoga of awareness. It is an eclectic blend of slow and deep vinyasa flow and yin yoga, flowing wherever our intuition leads us. You will be encouraged to explore your own edge mindfully as you grow your practice, strengthen your body, expand your heart, and free your mind. You will be challenged and supported, but most importantly, reminded to bring your attention to your body and to your breath, ending class with mindfulness meditation.
VINYASA KRAMA
Vinyasa krama yoga is an ancient practice of physical and spiritual development, and is a systematic method of practicing and adapting yoga for the individual. Krama is a Sanskrit word meaning “stages.” It is a step-by-step process involving the building in gradual stages toward a “peak” within a practice session. This progression can include asanas of increasing complexity or gradually building one’s breath capacity.
“By integrating the functions of mind, body, and breath. . .a practitioner will experience the real joy of yoga practice. . .Vinyasa krama yoga strictly follows the most complete definition of classical yoga.”
–Srivatsa Ramaswami, The Complete Book of Vinyasa Yoga
VINYASA FLOW
A yoga practice that unfolds with harmony and intelligence. “Vinyasa” is derived from the Sanskrit term nyasa that means “to place” and the prefix vi that means “in a special way.”
Vinyasa yoga is a flowing sequence of specific asanas coordinating the movements with the breath. The breath gives information to the mind about the body, the breath gives rhythm to the practice, and the breath identifies any problems and facilitates release.
YIN YOGA
Yin yoga has its roots in Meridian Theory and Taoist philosophy. The practice, using mindful breathing, explores long-held floor stretches while muscles are relaxed for the physical release of the connective tissue (tendons, ligaments, and fascia) of the body. Meridian theory holds that the body’s meridian system is contained in connective tissue and by therapeutically stressing and stretching the connective tissue, the flow of chi (our life force) is facilitated, thereby increasing our general health. Specifically, yin yoga targets the connective tissue of the hips, pelvis, and lower spine and the postures are held for minimum of three to five minutes.
Yin yoga is recommended for people who are chronically “stiff”, for athletes, and for anyone who wants to alleviate tight hips and low back pain. A consistent yin yoga practice will leave you feeling light, unencumbered, and relaxed. Yin yoga is a perfect complement to a vinyasa practice and students are surprised at its effect on the body and especially the mind. Yin yoga will help you stretch into a stillness that will enrich your life.
“Worms will not eat living wood where the vital sap is flowing;
Rust will not hinder the opening of a gate
when the hinges are used every day.
Movement gives health and life.
Stagnation brings disease and death.”
(Traditional Chinese Medicine proverb)
