1.10.2014

YOGA FLOW & MEDITATION

#PRACTICEANYWHERE

Be Present

"What time is it?"

NOW.

"Where are we?"

HERE.

- Andre, Core Power Yoga - Hillcrest

WHAT YOU NEED

WHY YOGA?

You may have heard the term kinesthetic learning . . . Kinesthetic learning is when learning takes place though a physical activity rather than listening to a lecture or watching a demonstration. Kinesthetic essentially means body intelligence or an awareness of self through the body.

Yoga, on a universal level, is any activity that leads to unification or wholeness of the human being. Think of it as a tool to unify any parts of ourselves that feel separate from each other, such as, our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies. Using the asanas or yoga poses, the student uses kinesthetic learning to gain an internal awareness. This leads to a state of unification . . . Physically, emotionally and spiritually. As we practice, we may begin to understand this more deeply, for example, when we open up our hips, there may be corresponding emotional and internal shifts occurring.

WHY FLOW?

Hatha yoga is a path of yoga that uses Asana (yoga poses) as the primary vehicle of transformation. Vinyasa flow is a branch of Hatha Yoga, but born more out of Ashtanga with the integration of chattarunga, upward dog, and downward dog (the series of poses that link the ashtanga series). The main difference is that it is not a set sequence. The heart of Vinyasa links movement and breath and enables different types of sequencing based on individual areas of focus.

SELF-PRACTICE?

After the student learns basic asanas, alignment and sequencing (to avoid bodily injury) from a yoga instructor, I always recommend doing some self practice to get in touch with your best teacher, the teacher within. I have some of the best yoga teachers in the world, but practicing alone also allows me the space to gain a unique perspective and insight to myself.

On Fridays, I'll start to share with you some of the flow sequences I practice. The printable version does not have the added push up at the end, but feel free to add an extra push-up at the end of any flow :) Start with your "warm-up" stretches to awaken the body. Complete the right side (as shown below), start to finish. Complete the same sequence on the left side, start to finish. Repeat 1-3 times.

PRACTICE

1. WARM UP

Start with "warm-up" stretches or series to awaken the body.

2. PRACTICE FLOW SEQUENCE

Complete the right side (as shown below), start to finish. You will end up at the front of your mat.
Complete the left side and end at the front of your mat.
Repeat 1-3 times (repeat same sequence or advance postures).

3. COOL DOWN

End with a cool down sequence.

FLOW SEQUENCE

PRACTICING WITH A TEACHER

The root meaning of "guru" is the one who removes 'Avidya' or ignorance, thus bringing insight to the student. The role of many yoga teachers is to transmit the technique of yoga as a vehicle for transformation. Through touch or words, a teacher gives honest feedback to the student's body or energy, wherever the student needs to be supported. Ultimately, the teacher wants to support the student's journey to come into contact with the great Guru, or teacher within themselves.

We love to hear stories of transformation, so feel free to share!

VISIT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL TO SEE ALL OUR YOGA FLOW SEQUENCES

Resources:

Yoga Teacher Training with Shiva Rea

Introduction: YOGA FLOW & MEDITATION