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What is Viniyoga? |
What does "Vini" Yoga mean?
"Vini" comes from an ancient Sanskrit word meaning to start from where you are (not where you think you should be, or used to be before the 10 pounds, or the knee injury; or
whatever…!) and to progress gradually, intelligently and patiently from there towards
your goal.
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How is Viniyoga different from other
Yoga traditions? |
All yoga traditions share the same philosophical
roots and practice basically the same postures. However, what is different about a Viniyoga
class is the emphasis on becoming aware of the breath as a guide for HOW to practice. Our
breath is an instant gauge of our physical, emotional, and mental state.
Therefore, in a culture where we have learned how to put our bodies on automatic, and often drive them by sheer force of will, moving on the breath is a quick and sure way to reconnect with and become aware of the body’s intelligence.
What this looks like in a class is an almost "Tai-chi like" flowing movement as students learn
to become aware of and use their own breath as the guide for their practice. Viniyoga teaches
the student how yoga postures and ideas are expressed through him or her right now, rather
than teaching to a mythical "average".
Individuals are encouraged to expand their own possible,
and challenge their perceived limitations, be they physical, mental or emotional. It’s
not about how fast, how hard, how much, heart rates, how far or what your neighbor is
doing. Many students express the joy of rediscovering permission to just be… themselves,
while gradually, intelligently, patiently noticing the changes they dreamed of.
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Is there any such
thing as a "One Size Fits All" Yoga? |
Viniyoga has been called the yoga of the future for
North America because, drawing on the most ancient traditions of yoga, it recognizes that
the how and what of yoga changes as we do. Contrary to what most of the book and video
images we see suggest, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE 25, SLIM AND FIT TO "DO" YOGA!!!
Some specialized Viniyoga classes and all individual sessions focus around
the needs, hopes and challenges of specific ages or stages of life, e.g. 50+, pregnancy,
babies, kids, stress reduction, recovery from or coping with illness, etc. In Europe,
where Viniyoga is very popular, you might find everyone from Olympic athletes
to those recovering from serious illnesses benefiting from this tradition in
some form.
Viniyoga is therefore, generally suitable for all shapes, sizes and
levels of physical ability, the question being whether at this time, the student would
be better suited to a general or special class, or individual sessions.
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What can I expect from a class?
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In a class, you can expect some initial thoughts on
how ancient yoga philosophy speaks to our lives now, and then a balance of posture and
breath work, and relaxation/meditation time structured around a learning theme.
You will take home a sheet of stick figures showing you what we did, and how to
breath it, so you can begin to develop your own practice. Each level and class is designed
to foster greater student knowledge and autonomy as you become familiar with the
concepts and tools which will allow you to take greater responsibility for and
pleasure from, your own health and well-being.
Check the schedule for current classes.
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