* Discover Iyengar Yoga *
atha yoganusasanam
Sutra 1.1
With prayers for divine blessings, now begins an exposition of the sacred art of yoga.
The ancient practice of yoga continues today, thanks mainly to the contributions of B.K.S. Iyengar, and the teachings based on his self-found discoveries about the practice of yoga.
Iyengar yoga emphasizes the precision of physical alignment of the body in asanas (poses), creating a sense of strength, stamina, flexibility, and balance. This, combined with specific sequencing, and the amount of time spent in each pose is what differentiates his method from other practices.
One of B.K.S. Iyengar's innovations is the use of props: chairs, blocks, blankets, straps, bolsters, benches, walls. The purpose of the props is to assist the students in attaining ideal alignment, thus allowing them to experience the pose in a way that would not be achievable otherwise. Because of this, it is a method appropriate for anyone regardless of age, degree of health or other perceived limitations. In Iyengar yoga, weak parts are strengthened and stiff parts are
stretched, thus awakening and realigning the whole body. Benefits
include increased vitality and the reduction of stress and anxiety.
At present, I am currently teaching:
Tuesdays: 7:30pm at YogaGrounds in Tujunga
Wednesdays: 4:30pm at Rising Lotus Yoga in Sherman Oaks
Sundays: 2:00pm at Yoga for EveryBody, Valley Glen
All levels are welcome, especially beginners and those new to yoga.
"Have you ever noticed a tree standing naked against
the sky,
How beautiful it is?
All its branches are outlined, and in its nakedness
There is a poem, there is a song.
Every leaf is gone and it is waiting for the spring.
When the spring comes, it again fills the tree with
The music of many leaves,
Which in due season fall and are blown away.
And this is the way of life."
- Krishnamurti
And so, we should take
this time to build both strength and character that comes from the standing
poses. As we progress on the yoga path, we develop a strong sense of strength
in the legs which in turn generates a sense of lightness in the torso.
As we progress into the
months of winter and more time indoors, we can temper this practice of standing
poses with the restorative poses to rebuild the energy reserves deep in the
body.
Regular practice of yoga can help you face the turmoil of life with steadiness and ease.
-B.K.S. Iyengar
