Anusara Yoga
Several Yoga Styles have gained prominence around the world, and one of them is the heart-oriented Anusara Yoga. It is now being taught in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the UK, various parts in Europe, Australia, and Japan, and is gradually growing popular in other areas abroad.
"Flowing with grace", "being in the flow", and "following your heart" are the meanings of the term "anusara", which is taken from the sacred text Kularnava Tantra. Created in 1997 by American yogi John Friend, this particular type of Yoga Posture follows the Universal Principles of Alignment. There are five main alignment principles, namely Opening to Grace, Muscular Energy, Inner Spiral, Outer Spiral, and Organic Energy. There are also secondary principles that help refine the poses. These maximize movement as well as help achieve the best visual impression.
Everyone who practices Anusara Yoga acknowledges that "flowing with grace" is essential in achieving physical and spiritual well-being. Integrated into this mentality is the Tantric belief that there is innate goodness in everyone, and along with the recognition of intrinsic goodness comes the belief that the Divine can be seen in all beings.
Anusara Yoga is very popular because it is open to everyone. Its practitioners firmly believe on the Anusara philosophy, which also holds them together. Yet despite this oneness, everyone is encouraged to value creative freedom and individuality. Anusara Yoga prides itself in celebrating all kinds of students regardless of their abilities and limitations. All yogis are encouraged to retain this positive mindset even outside yoga practice. The positivism of Anusara Yoga’s philosophy isn’t that far from the bohemian ideals of truth, beauty, and creativity. Indeed, this type of yoga does not adhere to a specific dogma in practice. Its founder claims that the system is based on discovering one’s self by being open to new ideas.
Yoga Postures or Asanas here aren’t just movements. They are artistic ways of connecting to one’s inner self and expressing delight about the wonders of the universe. Anusara Yoga makes use of styles similar to Vinyasa Yoga, which covers a broad range of movements. Vinyasa means "breath-synchronized movement", so there is relative freedom in poses so long as they are done throughout inhalation and exhalation. Anusara Yoga also employs the use of Yoga Props such as mats, blankets, blocks, and straps.
Anusara Yoga classes are known to be light and fun. The bond between the teachers and students has been described as similar to that of a close-knit family. Most importantly, all those who wish to attain physical and spiritual well-being through Anusara Yoga are welcome to practice it. So get your Yoga Props and join an Anusara Yoga class now.
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Basics & Backgrounds
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