Vinyasa yoga
A vinyasa class starts off softly by bringing awareness to the body and moving slowly with the breath; inhales support the body lengthening, exhales the bending or twisting. This creates a synchronized flow from posture to posture. As the body builds in warmth, we increase strength and flexibility and begin a wider range of motion, connected by the vinyasa.
A ‘vinyasa’ unifies the sequence of postures with repetition: lowering the body (exhale) to a push up or to the floor, hands press down (inhale) the chest lifts and opens in an upward facing dog or cobra, and (exhale) the hips hinge and raise into downward facing dog.
The class is a moving meditation that branches off as a more creative and liberal Ashtanga yoga practice. We tune into the synchronized flow, power our muscles, stack our bones in alignment, balance, and explore inversions or back bends. Classes range in vigor but all challenge us to find grace and intention in our movements and guide us to the ultimate resting posture, savasana; where we can reset in quiet stillness.
Since no two classes are the same, the practice opens us to listening and being present without expectation of our abilities; accepting what comes next in the sequence with ease of where we are today. Vinyasa is a great practice for all students because postures can always be modified and extra rest is always welcome.
