Yoga FAQsPrinciples of Practice
Thank you to all of our teachers and yoga traditions for giving us these principles to guide us along in our yoga practice.
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>>)
