Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Space Creates Freedom
The season of Fall is a time when everything seems to change. The solar light, lower on the horizon, softly imbues the kaleidoscope of colored leaves as they dance their last dance before turning to compost. The day-to-day human activity mirrors the newly opening sky of bigger expanse, with new projects, dreams and ideas brewing. The fall winds blowing leaves to and fro show us what space is: movement, change and freedom.
How many of you have used the phrase “give me some space” when feeling overwhelmed or ungrounded. What is it we are describing when using the word “space”? It’s a word we use often and in many different applications. I think back to something I often used to say to my students in the heat of a practice; “find the space in the pose – space creates freedom, freedom is Truth, Truth is Divinity”. Words originally inspired by a great Indian teacher, B.S.K. Iyengar.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Styles of Yoga
HATHA YOGA
This is a term, which actually means the practice of the physical postures, also called asanas - which could essentially mean all styles of physical yoga. Generally though, a class called “hatha” will be an eclectic blend of a few different styles often with a more gentle approach.
IYENGAR YOGA
If you are looking for detail, therapeutic yoga or a very thoughtful and precise class this is the style for you. B.K.S. Iyengar the founder of this style has been prolific and unwavering in his contribution to the world of yoga, and stands as one of the world’s most influential yogis.
All teachers of this style go through a rigorous certification process and are often very dedicated and devoted to this style. A class typically utilizes props in the form of blocks, straps, bolsters and blankets to assist students toward exploring the poses more fully with regard to their limitations or injuries. Classes are slow moving and poses are often held for much longer than in other styles of yoga.
