Thank you to all of our teachers and yoga traditions for giving us these principles to guide us along in our yoga practice.  We will explore them in our classes! 

Basic Principles of a Vinyasa Flow Yoga practice

Let your teacher know if you have any injuries

Start where you - use modification and props to support your poses

Incorporate Sukkha /Stira in each poses (ease and steadiness).  

Maintain compassion for yourself both on and off the mat (read more about compassion)

Apply the principle alignment cues from Tadasana in all other poses

Be sure to complete each inhale and each exhale fully  

Come out of a pose the same way you came in--this in itself provides a "counter-pose"!

Work close to your core, integrating alignment

While in the pose- observe where the pose is initiated from as well as the lines of energy

Press into the base(s) to ground and stabilize  

Establish symmetry in poses 

Maintain beath awareness

Hollow the armpits, broaden the collar bones and lengthen the spine

Incorporate serenity of gaze (driste) and facial experessions -- no need to strain (read more about Driste)

In general, shoulders are relaxed, away from ears

Use counterposes to balance the effects of each asana

Listen to your body, always come out of a pose when your breath or equilibrium is disturbed or there is strain in the body

Engage both organic and muscular energy during your practice

Yoga is a personal practice--thou shall not compete

Remain present in your practice -- bring wondering minds back to the breath

Chanting Om - Om is a mantra or vibration that is traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of yoga sessions.  it is said to be the sound of the universe  (read more>>)