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IYENGAR YOGA
In Yoga the search for developed consciousness begins with physical awareness. Asana, or posture is the third petal in the eight petalled lotus of yoga. A consistent mindful yoga practice offers a respite from the world, a break from the responsibilities we shoulder, a way to come to ourselves.
Some of the benefits of yoga are immediate, like the deep sense of relaxation; some of them reveal themselves with continued practice over time, like the improved resistance to stress, increased poise and equanimity, stamina, concentration and many more. Greater flexibility, strength and balance are the by-products of a regular practice.
It is a fact that our thoughts affect our feelings, which in turn affect our physiology. With yoga practice the reverse is also true. By performing a back-bending pose, on a physical level we open our chest but that physical action improves our breathing and so elevates our emotions and leads to a clearer state of mind.
The forward bending postures, on the other hand, can quieten our nervous system. The standing poses help us grow in self-confidence, and a restorative practice teaches us how to consciously relax by experiencing our breath. This calms the mind and opens the heart so that repressed emotions like anger and resentment can come up to the surface and be released. The inverted poses balance the endocrine system and are very beneficial for the mental and physical health by developing detachment from habitual worries, tolerance and emotional stability.
Yoga reminds us that nothing is permanent. By staying present in a pose that is challenging we learn that we may be uncomfortable, even unhappy, but still be alright.
The Iyengar method of yoga was developed by Yogacharya Sri. B.K.S. Iyengar. He brought yoga to the West and made it accessible to everyone with his many books on yoga. In Iyengar Yoga every part of the body is acted upon with intent, precision and intelligence.The beauty of this method lies in the precise instructions and attention to correct body alignment. When necessary, supports such as bolsters, blankets, blocks or chairs are used to allow the practitioner to get a better understanding of the postures and to overcome any difficulties due to lack of strength or flexibility. Therefore this method is suitable for people of all ages and ability.
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