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>>)