Vinyasa Yoga

What does this really mean?

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We all know practicing Yoga is good for our wellbeing, not only for the physical body but also for our mental mind, emotional and spiritual self. So where does this term Vinyasa come from and what does it mean when we go to a Vinyasa class?

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Vinyasa is derived from the Sanskrit word Nyasa, which means placement or sometimes we might think “to place”. The prefix Vi means orderly or we might say “in a special way”.

So Vinyasa means conscious orderly placement of a sequence of events. A flowing sequence of Asanas (postures) linked by breath and intention.

In a Vinyasa Class Sunny will guide you through a sequence of Asanas as one continuous movement from start to finish. Every movement into or out of a posture is linked to an in breath and an out breath with intention - the underlying reason for the practice drives the movement forward. Connecting the breath throughout the practise will leave you balanced, grounded and uplifted physically, mentally and emotionally.

 

Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Primary Series is also called Yoga Chikitsa, meaning Yoga therapy, because of the cleansing and toning effect it has on both body and mind. The Primary Series is an inward practise, noticing the body and stepping away from what goes on around you to find stillness in your mind and to focus on your breath.

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Sunny will guide you through the Ashtanga Primary series which is suitable for beginners and the more advanced practitioners.

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You will learn to follow a set sequence of postures (Asanas) building strength, flexibility and endurance in the physical body. It also realigns, loosens tight muscles and detoxifies the body and nervous system.

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Through regular practise, on a mental level, it improves the focus, willpower, mind body awareness and confidence to overcome the mental obstacles in our practise.

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On a subtle level the Primary Series helps with clearing the energy channels in the body (Nadis) which allows the breath (Prana) to flow freely through the body allowing the mind and body to connect.

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Ashtanga is a dynamic practise but practising it in a mindful way by synchronising the breath count (Ujjayi breath - victorious breath) and the movement of the body it will become a moving meditation. The energy released will connect you with your own beautiful personal practise and with the fellow Yogis around you.

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This class will leave you feeling balanced, grounded and uplifted in body, mind and soul.

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Shantiseva Vinyasa

Shantiseva Vinyasa classes are spiritually taught classes and open to all students. An uplifting flow sequence connecting breath and movement and it includes Pranayama, music, mantras and meditation.

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Shantiseva Vinyasa classes connect us with the five nature elements; air, ether, fire, water and earth. This practice will give a real grounding and balance with our connection to nature and Mother Earth. The connection to the earth should be steady and joyful as described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras - Sthira Sukham Asanam.

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Shantiseva Vinyasa classes also connects us with the spiritual practice of Seva which is Karma yoga - the yoga of action that brings together service with devotion to Bhakti and Shanti which is a Sanskrit term meaning “peace”.

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This class focuses on five key points of Vinyasa Yoga;
the breath, the conscious placement and movement of the body, the intention of the practise, drishti “a single line of focus in the eyes and the connection with the mula bandha “root lock”.

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This beautiful practise will leave you feeling happy, positive and uplifted physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.