Vinyasa
Yoga
Vinyasa is an open system of hatha yoga,
meaning that it is a movement and breath-based practice
that evolves and changes every time one practices. I
think of vinyasa practice as a
meditation in motion, flowing from one
posture to another on the waves of the breath. In vinyasa classes, individuals
will practice at their own pace, using variations and modifications
of classic asanas to accommodate their limits and reach into
their edges. Modifications of asanas make accessible
postures that may be too difficult in their fullest expression - one
way we modify asanas is through the use of props, such as
blankets and blocks. Variations are like new twists
on asanas that can highlight a particular aspect of the posture
or intensify the overall asana. I build each class
in stages so that as we lead into a peak asana, there are
plenty of modifications and variations to suit everyone's
needs and levels.
I have studied primarily
in the Iyengar, Kripalu and Astanga traditions, and incorporate
the philosophies and physical practices of each into
an eclectic flow that is unique each time. I
once heard a teacher (Shiva Rea) call this unfixed, everchanging
system of yoga the "People's
Republic of Vinyasa," and
that resonated with me. I will often ask at
the beginning of practice for requests or needs,
and then my task as a teacher is to watch during the flow
how the practice is living in each student's body, and
continue to unfold and build the practice based on the
needs that show up. We truly make the Vinyasa
practice together.
Barrett, I have really appreciated
taking your yoga classes. In many ways
it has been life altering and I just wanted to say thank you!
-Aaron
Shimoff
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