Vinyasa: letting the breath guide the practice
starts Friday 11 march 2022 at 15:00
This workshop 15:00-17:30 is taught in English.
Vinyasa method of asana practice, unique to Krishnamacharya’s lineage of teaching, is known essentially as movement from one body position to the next in coordination with breath. As a bridge between our mind and our body, the role of breath as a pivotal element is emphasized in a vinyasa-based practice. The quality and ease of breath affect our nervous system and mental focus as well as our stability and ease of movement.
In this program, we will examine the rationale behind the use of ujjayi breathing in vinyasa-based practices from Krishnamacharya’s lineage as well as the main principles of breath-movement coordination. We will shed light on common obstacles to sustaining desired qualities of breath and movement and discuss how these can be dealt with. We will also see how long and smooth breath is crucial in striking a balance between effort and relaxation in asana, especially in more challenging postures.
By carefully integrating these elements into an asana practice of medium length, we will observe that breath-focus establishes us in a present moment awareness. The vinyasa format then can be experienced as an invitation for our mind to tune in to and meditate on the underlying incessant play and alignment of opposing energetic/breath patterns. If sustained, this meditation starts to reveal to us the subtle inner forms of practice.
Cancellation Policy
Style: Vinyasa Yoga
With a background in Ashtanga vinyasa, Vinyasa Krama, and Iyengar yoga, all from the lineage of T. Krishnamacarya, this hatha course by Marija comes closest to "Vinyasa Krama" which involves "synchronisation of the breath with slow movement of the limbs and, while in the postures, having the mind closely following the breath". It is suitable for all and incorporates her lifelong experience and recent studies with AG Mohan, one of the last living direct disciples of Krishnamacarya. Please read her full bio page. Go to the Vinyasa Yoga page.
Teacher: Marija Bjekovic
Marija's teaching path started after the completion of 200 hours Ashtanga yoga teacher training with John Scott and Lucy Crawford Scott in 2015. Over the years, she found the grounding for both her studies and teaching in the legacy of Sri T. Krishnamcharya, the father of modern yoga and a pioneer in yoga therapy. She has been studying his legacy through the lens of his two long-term students, Srivatsa Ramaswami and A.G. Mohan. She is currently completing a 300 hours Svastha Yoga Therapy Foundations program with A.G. Mohan and his family. The practice has shown her that strength, stability and flexibility are qualities to be found at other levels than purely physical. The physical form is paradoxically merely the background for contemplation of constant interplay and alignment of energies within. When she teaches in Ashtanga vinyasa context, she does so from an understanding that such a layered practice is primarily meant as a framework to start cultivating subtle breath and calm mind. The physical aspect of practice can and should be individualized, without compromising the more profound nature of the practice. She loves to encourage students to explore the practice from such a perspective, and to support them in growing a sustainable and nourishing yoga practice through different fluctuations of life.
Go to Marija's page.
Location: Strassen
147 route d'Arlon, Strassen. With oak floors and a warm ambiance, our Strassen center is a haven from the hustle and bustle of city life, located on route d'Arlon near rue de Reckenthal, just 200m from the A6/E25 autoroute. Go to the Strassen page.