VINYASA YOGA

We will initially start with Vinyasa and later might incorporate Ashtanga Vinyasa.  The key difference between Ashtanga Vinyasa and Vinyasa is the structured versus dynamic patterns of Yoga postures. Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is more intense because it follows a set sequence of challenging poses and incorporates traditional spiritual practices.  Vinyasa Yoga is better for beginners and includes a bit more room for creative interpretation.  A great teacher will lead Vinyasa or Vinyasa Flow class in a fluid, music-guided sequence that changes every time.
 
Vinyasa (pronounced “vin-yah-sah”) is a Sanskrit word for a phrase that roughly translates as “to place in a special way.”  Referring – in Hatha Yoga – to a sequence of poses.  
 
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is an ancient system of Yoga that was taught by Vamana Rishi in the Yoga Korunta.  This text was imparted to Sri T. Krishnamacharya in the early 1990’s by his Guru Rama Mohan Bramachari and was later passed down to Pattabhi Jois during the duration of his studies with Krishnamacharya beginning 1927.
 
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is practiced in its correct sequential order.  There are three groups of sequences in the Ashtanga system.  The Primary series, The Intermediate series and The Advanced series A, B, C and D.  Each level is to be fully developed and mastered before proceeding to the next and the sequential order is to be meticulously followed.  Each posture is a preparation for the next, developing the strength and stamina required to progress further.  
 
Ashtanga means eight limbs was devised by Patanjali.  They are described by Patanjali as Yama (abstinence), Niyama (observance), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (sense control), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (contemplation).
 
“Vinyasa” means breath and movement synchronicity.  Guruji (Sri Pattabhi Jois) refers to Ashtangs Yoga as a “Scientific Method”.  Breath is the heart of this discipline.  The asanas (postures) are linked in an exact sequence and there is a precise count of each synchronized breath/movement transitioning into and out of each asana.  There are three essential components to achieve the true essence of Vinyasa – ujayi (victorious breath) breathing technique, bandhas (“lock” or “seal”) and dristhi (gaze or focal point).  By synchronizing movement with breathing and practicing Mula and Uddiyana Bandhas, an intense internal heat is produced.  The sweat generated from the heat eliminates diseases and removes toxins/impurities out of the body.  The body than becomes healthy, light and strong.

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Health issues:

If you are pregnant,  have certain chronic health medical conditions (heart disease, diabetics, high sugar, high blood pressure, arthritis, etc.), we will need your Doctors written approval before we can allow you to any Yoga session.