Viniyoga: a Look in the Mirror
On any Wednesday evening around 7:30, don’t be surprised if you see people heading toward the Mind/Body
Center’s Workshop room carrying yoga mats and shedding their shoes. They’re on their way to a one and a half hour yoga class. With so many different styles of yoga on the American scene—hot yoga, power yoga, gentle yoga, restorative yoga and many more--you might well ask, “What type of yoga is offered at the Center?” Or, to put the question another way, “What will I be doing if I go there?”
The yoga we are doing comes from an ancient Indian tradition known as Viniyoga, which traces back to about 900 A.D. What make Viniyoga different from other types of yoga?
Viniyoga’s distinguishing elements are repetition, the way we breathe, sequencing, adaptation, and function over form. Repetition means we move dynamically; that is, we move in and out of a pose several times before we stay in it. Why do we do postures this way? Moving in and out of a posture warms up the muscles and joints, preparing the body to stay longer in the pose without strain. This alternate
contract/release movement is the most effective way to stretch muscles. Finally, moving dynamically creates new neuromuscular patterns in the body. If we are careful to move in good alignment, we can create positive changes in the way we stand, sit, and move. The yoga postures provide feedback about our bodies, showing us where we need to stretch or strengthen. Thus, we learn about ourselves from the postures, just as we do when we look in the mirror.
Viniyoga places strong emphasis on moving with the breath. Each time we move, we breathe in a way that facilitates the movement. Sequencing of postures is another aspect to which a great deal of thought and attention is given in Viniyoga. By transitioning from one posture to the next with ease and grace, we maintain a smooth flow of energy throughout the practice. When we create a sequence, we begin by asking, “what is my intention?” The intention may be physical--to soothe an aching back or tight shoulders; it may be mental or emotional--to calm the mind or relieve stress; or it may be spiritual--to bring the practitioner closer to his/her values. We hold our intention clearly in mind throughout the practice; and because function takes precedence over form, Viniyoga is extremely therapeutic.
While yoga offers extraordinary physical benefits, it is more about the mind than the body. The postures, breathing techniques, chanting, and meditation are tools to help us learn about ourselves, to recognize patterns in the way we move, breathe, and react--and to change those patterns if we wish to. That’s why practicing yoga is like holding up a mirror to yourself.
Whether you are new to yoga or an experienced practitioner, you are welcome to join us on Wednesday evenings from
7:30 to 9:00.
Questions? Contact Sandra Uyterhoeven, sandrauy@earthlink.net, 617-354-0570.
www.viniyogacambridge.com
Sandra is a certified teacher in the Viniyoga tradition. She has been teaching yoga since 1995.
