YOGA POSTURES

Yoga Postures, or Asanas, are the physical practice of yoga. Each posture should have a strong foundation, and be supported by both the breath and the focus of the mind. When we are new to yoga it is important to pay extra care and attention when moving into a posture, and also ensuring correct alignment and comfort within the posture. Once this has been achieved the focus can then return to the breath until it is time to move out of the posture again. When a posture has been mastered it becomes effortless, and you can move in and out of it with ease, allowing your mind to stay focused on the breath throughout the movement.

Every yoga posture involves a ‘push’ and a ‘yield’. Pushing is the force that moves the body further into the posture, exploring areas of tightness. Yielding is to passively wait and listen to the constant subtle feedback from the body, waiting for the resistance that exists in the body to release so the pushing force can gently move the body further into the posture. The breath plays a key role in this process of yielding, and it important to always practice with patience. Never push or force your body beyond its own limits. A posture should always be comfortable and never result in strain or pain. If you are unable to maintain a strong and rhythmic Ujjayi breath then you have probably gone to far and should ease out of the posture a little.

Vinyasa is a sanskrit word used to describe a sequence of breath-synchronised postures or movement. The practitioner moves fluidly from one posture to the next in conjunction with synchronised inhalation and exhalation. This fluid movement, also know as Vinyasa Flow, almost takes the form of a dance and can generate intense internal heat and a cleansing sweat that purifies organs and muscles alike. A Cat-Cow Stretch is an example of a very simple Vinyasa, because the spine is arched on an inhale and rounded on an exhale. A Sun Salutation sequence is an example of a more complex Vinyasa.

When working on alignment for a single posture or when working through a Vinyasa, it can be helpful to practice in front of a mirror. Place the mirror on the floor and keep it perpendicular, otherwise you will not get an accurate reflection of your positioning. Be careful when checking your alignment as loosing focus on the posture and the breath can cause you to fall over. Props such as belts and blocks are also very useful when working on alignment.