Welcome to Vinyasa Flow Yoga

 

What is Vinyasa Yoga?

Like most Sanskrit words the english translation can have many meanings.

In modern yoga the word 'Vinyasa' has become synonymous with the Ashtanga Vinyasa method of Mysore for its' 'breath-movement system'.

However the word 'Vinyasa' also means 'placement' and so refers to the correct placement of the breath, body and posture within a yoga practice.

This hints at the skill needed to practice efficiently and with the correct knowledge of what goes where and when to do what etc in any given practice.

Another definition of the word is 'step by step' which refers to the slow, deliberation nature of progressing further only when one step has been mastered is the next taken.

This is a hard process for the modern mind to adhere to. The use of different mediums has afforded us a preview of nearly all styles of yoga before we even take our first class and so from the very beginning the mind can become confused as to what exactly yoga is. 

In modern day yoga most people find themselves in a group class practicing a style with a particular theme. For example it may be a vigorous flowing practice or a slow moving alignment based practice. In ancient times the yogis of India most likely practiced alone with their teacher and were given the correct postures and only those specific to their individual needs and blockages. Unfortunately this way of obtaining knowledge is hard to find and so we find ourselves doing the same postures as everyone else. There is security in this way of practicing but after some time (possibly years) the practice becomes stale and tired because the mindy/body has not moved on from its attachment to doing a particular class or style. We may like the routine but the process of absorption within the Self, as yoga promises, is not a linear destination but an ever evolving dynamic activity. 

As Vinyasa also means 'step by step'  the approach to the practice must be progressive, dynamic and also cater to the needs of the individuals limitations. Forcing or pushing the body into poses it is not ready for, over-use of alignment techniques and under- use of the bodies natural movement patterns leads to injury and disillusionment. For the practice to continually evolve the mind must pay keen attention to the activity while addressing the inherent blockages and patterns imposed upon our bodies.            

The Approach

So with this philosophy in mind the Vinyasa approach should be catering to all levels, ages and abilities. As all modern yoga has in some way evolved from the teachings of Krishnamacharya it is with thanks to his unique approach of teaching Yoga to individuals that made it accessible to all walks of life. This is our goal to make Yoga appropriate to the practitioner not the other way around. In a class setting however this is more challenging but as the practice becomes a more personal one this can be addressed more effectively.

In a class session you will practice basic Ujjayi Pranayama (Breath cultivation) with dynamic Asana (postures), taught with intelligent, safe and efficient use of awareness. Our philosophy is rooted in Ahimsa (Non-hurting) the first and most important Yama of the Patanjalis' Yoga Sutras. Energetically speaking the practice of releasing the hips and shoulders begins to balance the Pranic Winds (Vayus) which control the life functions. So the posture practice must involve dynamic and static movements that stimulate the Prana & Apana to move correctly. Only when the major obstructions in these areas have been dissolved does the process of igniting the subtle body (sukshma sharira) really begin. 

Although learning Yoga privately is the most effective way to progress a typical group class would begin with conscious breathing, joint warm-ups then rythmic Standing postures leading into Sun Salutations before floor work of forward bends, backbends and twists and finishing with a guided relaxation. Each class is appropriated to the majority of students with a strong emphasis on rhythm, correct action and learning to release your blockages. Modifications and variations of each posture are discussed and everyone is encouraged to move at their own pace. 

To encourage the mind/body to relax we must first challenge it to expand. This can be done to equal effect regardless of your physical background. It is a myth that to take up yoga you must first be flexible or strong. Strength and flexibility are side effects to real benefits such as increased self-confidence, the ability to stay focused and calm in stressful situations and above all to feel more connected to all aspects of yourself.

As a style of yoga, Vinyasa Flow Yoga was first formed from many traditions having blended over the years to help establish different yoga styles complimenting each other. However like all styles there is an inherent limitation if the practice becomes attached or one dimensional.  As the essence of yoga is based on Self-Realisation it follows that the advanced practitioner will have to leave techniques and styles behind in order to fully absorb him/herself within the Divine. Ancient yogis were the scientists of their time who explored the living dimensions of the human form to realise its true potential and latent power. You can't learn that in a class!

Vinyasa Flow Yoga is based in Dublin, Ireland and holds trainings and retreats nationally and abroad . Feel free to contact our Director of Yoga regarding our private/public classes or our Training  programmes at david@vinyasaflowyoga.net