What is Vinyasa Flow?
Vinyasa Flow Yoga holds an indisputable position as the most popular form of Yoga in Europe and the USA. Nearly all studios, unless specialised, incorporate some variation of Vinyasa into their schedules, and Luna Wave is no exception. Our schedule offers at least two Vinyasa-based practices each day, giving you ample opportunities to explore this style if you wish. Scroll down for the list of Vinyasa practices available at LW.
If you're scratching your head or stroking your beard and wondering "but what is Vinyasa Flow?", don't worry, my inquisitive friend, because that's precisely what we'll be discussing in this post. So keep reading and get ready to gain a comprehensive understanding of this popular, flowing style of Yoga.
Let's start from the very beginning by understanding the word's significance. Vinyasa originates from Sanskrit, and when we break it apart into pieces, we can uncover its meaning.
The beauty of Sanskrit is that it is formulaic and straightforward but also gives space for interpretation. Yoga teacher Nicky Poole defines the translation of Vinyasa by breaking down the elements of the word. "Nyasa means, ‘to place’ and Vi means ‘in a special or sacred way’. Hence Vinyasa means ‘to place something in a sacred and/or special way.’"
In contemporary Yoga culture, the aspect of moving in a special way is generally intertwined with the concept of synchronising movement with the breath. It emphasises the nature of our movements. In broader terms, a Vinyasa Yoga practice encourages mindful movement rooted in the breath, fostering an awareness that becomes ingrained in the body through consistent practice. Vinyasa practices are inherently dynamic, but some can be more active or challenging than others. Some may prompt you to move and breathe more at a slightly faster pace, while others invite you to slow down your breath and move in rhythm to that pace.
Vinyasa Flow encompasses many variations. Ashtanga Vinyasa, a relatively modern form of Yoga, is often considered the original Vinyasa practice and serves as the foundation for most other Vinyasa styles. Some examples of Vinyasa Flow include Jivamukti, Power, Baptiste, Prana Flow, Rocket, Tantra Flow, and Mandala, amongst others! Vinyasa not only varies depending on its subcategories but also varies from teacher to teacher, so it's always beneficial to explore different teachers to discover the practice that resonates with you the most. If you're unsure whether a class is Vinyasa-based, the inclusion of the word 'flow' in the title is a good indicator.
During a class, you may hear a teacher use the common phrase "take a vinyasa," referring to a flowing sequence of postures performed between sequences or as part of a Salutation. This Vinyasa often involves transitioning from Chaturanga to Upward-Facing Dog and then to Downward-Facing Dog, although it is not limited to this specific sequence. Now that you have a better understanding of what Vinyasa truly means, you might feel empowered to deviate from the typical structure and explore other movements that place the body in a special way. Perhaps you'd like to incorporate Child's Pose or indulge in a delightful spinal roll integration? Extra push-ups in Chaturanga, perhaps? As long as you transition mindfully and purposefully place the body from pose to pose, you're practising Vinyasa.
To conclude, let's delve into the broader meaning of Vinyasa and how it can extend beyond the yoga mat and into our everyday lives. Sri Krishnamacharya (1888 - 1989), an Indian yogi and healer often regarded as the father of modern-day Yoga, used the term Vinyasa not only to describe the physical practice but also as a way to embody a mindful and deliberate approach to living life. It involves moving in harmony with the natural flow of existence, paying special and sacred attention to our choices, actions, and interactions.
The implication is that by living life in this manner, we become more aware and attuned to the rhythm of life itself. By perceiving our own life journey as a series of Vinyasas within one continuous flow, we can create a more receptive space for life's intelligent unfolding and discover deeper meaning through it. Through the practice of this flowing style of Yoga, we might be learning a profound lesson - how to gracefully navigate our lives, trusting that everything is unfolding exactly as it should.
Vinyasa Classes at Luna Wave...
Wave Series - Monday & Wednesday @8am w/ Laura
Vinyasa Flow: open - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saurday & Sunday @ various times w/ various teachers
Sunrise Vinyasa: open - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday @7am w/ Mike and Jasmine
Jivamukti - Tuesday & Friday @ 9:30 & 8am respectively w/ Maxine
Mixed Movement Flow - Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 5pm w/ Olive
Vinyasa Flow: intermediate - Thursday @ 6:15pm w/ Christina
Flow Beats - Friday @ 6:15pm w/ Christina