YOGA FOR ALL, ALL FOR YOGA

Created by B.K S Iyengar, the focus here is on the alignment, and the perfect positioning of postures. It requires the use of straps, blocks, chairs or other supports as an aid to the practice. A yoga that can be intense because it requires to stay sometimes a long time in the same posture. A style that will appeal to those who like the precision of an asana. Other might be deterred by what can be seen at times as a rigid practice. I tend to recommend this style of yoga that gives pride of place to extensions and stretches, to beginners who wish to practice in class to fully understand the alignment of the body, or for a practice turned towards a therapeutic Yoga.

Initiated by K.Pattabhi Jois, the Ashtanga style (nothing to do with the 8 Asthanga* precepts of Yoga) is based on the link of postural Yoga and breathing according to a defined sequence of postures.  This style of yoga consists of 6 series that are always similar and are done in a specific order. At each level corresponds its series of postures. We do not move on to the higher series until the previous level has been mastered. Mastering a level can take years, the focus being on postures, not progression.

The last decade has seen the emergence of Power Yoga or Hot Yoga…both are usually Ashtanga inspired styles. Their names give a hint how demanding those styles can be. You have been warned.

This style of Yoga requires rigor and is oriented around different paths of Yoga; Karma Yoga (selfless service), Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of devotion), Raja Yoga (meditation), and Jnana Yoga (Philosophy of Yoga). It is a Yoga that does not stop at the teaching of postural yoga alone. This style was initiated by two Swami first Sivananda himself and then Swami Vishnu Devananda. This Yoga can prove to be repetitive for some because the postures, and sequences are always the same. However, this style of Yoga, allows to apprehend different techniques of breaths, to explore Mantras*,Bakti Yoga, Sadhanas,*  Satsangs* and the various aspects of yogic philosophics.

A style of Yoga that draws its inspiration from the energies and chakras. Focused on breathing and the expression of energies via postures and meditation. Songs, mudras* and breathing are the anchors of the practice beyond physical postures. However, make no mistake as postural Yoga is demanding both physically and mentally. Far from the aerobic style of some modern Yoga, this style of Yoga is less about the alignment of the physical body than about the alignment of oneself and its energetic body.

This form of Yoga created by Sharon Gannon and David Life implies that we consider Yoga for its global dimension. For the founders of this style, practicing Yoga means recognizing the importance of environmental and animal well-being. To be vegan is to be respectful of the animal cause. The 5 main aspects of this yoga are; Shastra*, Bhakti*, Ahimsa*, Nada*, Dhyana*. A typical class involves, the expression of an intention, a devotional song, an awareness of breathing, followed by a postural practice before ending on a relaxation and meditation. Respect for spirituality is just as important as physical practice.

Vinyasa means the synchronization of  breathing to movement. I like to remind my students that every Asana is initiated by breathing (not the other way around). Also, each style of Yoga as soon as it fits into a sequence is a Vinyasa. The Suyra Namaskar* is definitely the best known vinyasa. This style of yoga, which advocates a fluid practice, is therefore found in the various styles of Yoga as long as the breathing-movement coordination is respected. Some yoga schools have taken up this style, recommending a more sustained flow of a sequence that wants to be rhythmic according to the breath. Be careful though, it is important to remember that everyone has their own breathing rhythm (which may be different from the teacher). Respecting your breathing means respecting yourself and progressing in a healthy and serene way. I like to say that every asana must have a beginning, a middle, and an end… rushing in, getting out of a posture can bring discomfort, pain and is the opposite of what Yoga teaches, namely to be there in the here and now, with ones breathing, posture, and mind.

Relatively recent, this style of Yoga created by John Friend in 1997 emphasizes the importance of spirituality in postural practice. Little practiced in France.

Founded by Bikram Choudhury (based on the work of B.C Gosh a body builder and Hatha Yogi* Indian brother of the respected yogi Paramahansa Yogananda).

According to Bikram the practice of Yoga in the West must be done under the conditions of climates similar to those of India. Temperatures are therefore around 40 C with a humidity of 40%. 26 postures are recommended. Attention, no correction is given to the student. Mirrors allow the student to self-correct (!).  Often criticized for its lack of body-mind relationship, this practice is nevertheless acclaimed by those who seek the athletic side of the practice. Hot Yoga or Power Yoga are two other styles of Yoga practiced in a heated environment, but the content of the sessions will vary depending on the teacher.

This very slow form of Yoga includes elements of traditional Chinese medicine and the principles of Taoϊsme. The postures are held between 45s and 5 minutes with the objective of touching the connective tissues and modifying our flexibility and the circulation of fluids in various parts of the body. The slow pace of practice facilitates a meditative state.   The postures are static and often the practitioners exercise this style in addition to more energizing Yang type of Yoga.