Constance Braden in utthita hasta padangusthasana
Constance Braden in parivrtta trikanasana
Constance Braden in adho mukha svanasana
Constance Braden in ubbhaya padangusthasana

Yoga Practice

PHILOSOPHY

Iyengar Yoga is based on the philosophy of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, an ancient text which details the yogic life of non-violence, truth, practice, and non-attachment. The goal of Patanjali’s philosophy is the quieting of the mind so it can be filled with lucid awareness. Though physically challenging and physically beneficial, Iyengar Yoga is too deeply mindful to be “exercise” in the normal sense. It may begin as a purely physical practice, but other layers—intellectual, moral, spiritual—reveal themselves to the serious practitioner over the long term.

BENEFITS

Iyengar yoga is a vigorous practice which builds strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance. Its emphasis on correct alignment and balanced muscle development brings balance to the joints and can be beneficial to students struggling with musculo-skeletal problems. Correct alignment also brings circulation and vitality to all systems of the body. We practice both active and passive poses. The balance of stability, extension and openness in an active pose relieves stress by releasing muscle tension, and helps the practitioner feel grounded and confident. Passive “restorative” poses release stress through surrender. All the work in an Iyengar Yoga practice steadies and focuses the mind; students leave class feeling rejuvenated, and carry with them a sense of calm, clarity, and well-being.

PRACTICE

Students of Iyengar Yoga are encouraged to practice at home what they’ve learned in class. Regular home practice greatly increases the benefits and accelerates learning and the transformation of body and mind.