...each asana is a small work of art... a small ripple in the vastness of the world, like leaves dancing in the wind, before they fall.
‘Dancing the Body of Light’
Dona Holleman and Orit Sen-Gupta
If we assume that:
- yoga is the practice of being present to what is without entanglement in ideas of what is
- yoga is deep listening, creating space for what is to be
- yoga is seeing patterns, those well established and the fresh ones being made, while carefully observing the shifts between the patterns to see what lies between and underneath
then, categorizing different styles of yoga is a bit tricky.
Most schools of yoga borrow from each other's methodology. Often it is hard to say which is which.
We have tried to organize the styles to give you an initial reference point when looking for a class to go to so please treat is as such. Even within a style, the teacher will create a container that will either work for you or not.
Reference menu
Hatha – Combination of pranayama (breath work), sun salutations and various yoga postures. Many styles fall under this umbrella. It can be very gentle and accessible or quite challenging – depending on the level and focus.
Hatha (specialized) - Hatha form with a particular focus/theme each class. Example: Shoulder opening and neck release, hip work, core strength etc... Specific requests are welcome. The class is designed to explore more deeply aspects that need extra attention...
Ashtanga – Can be quite vigorous. Sun Salutations, standing and seated postures are linked with vinyasa (fluid transition) creating a rhythmic meditative flow. The sequences are set by Shri K. Pattabhi Jois – sometimes we follow them and ride a wave, sometimes we play and change things around.
Flow – Power Flow: Here the sky is the limit. Sequences are often created by our experienced teachers. Focus will change, form will be different – what will be the same is the smooth links and transitions. Sometimes music will hold the container for the practice. The word "power" is self-explanatory…
Yin – This practice focuses on yielding and surrendering to gravity. Passive stretching, poses held for up to five minutes. No, this is not siesta time… The poses are held in a space of vigilance. Passive stretching aims to get deep into the body – the bones and ligaments as opposed to more superficial soft tissue. The practice can be quite challenging as well as very gentle, depending on where you want to go – many options, props, alternatives.