Recharge your Vinyasa Practice

“Warrior one right side, high to low push-up, upward facing dog, downward facing dog, Warrior one left side…”

You can likely move through this vinyasa in your sleep if you’ve been practicing yoga for even a short amount of time. Perhaps you’ve been become so accustomed to a particular practice, you know exactly what pose and sequence are next.

Consider this.. are you zoning out when you practice? Does your practice feel stale or boring?

It’s up to you to LIGHT IT UP and re engage! Spring is the perfect time of year to RECHARGE your practice. With longer days, more energy, and sunshine making frequent appearances, the time for a REBOOT is now.

A few approaches to recharging your practice are going to different classes, seeking out new teachers, and reading up on some of your favorite poses to really understand what’s going on with them!

Did you know the Sanskrit name for crescent lunge is Anjaneyasana? The pose is said to be an interpretation of Anjaneya, a young divine child reaching towards the sunshine and towards a glowing fruit hanging from trees. Next time you are practicing crescent lunge, bring into your heart a feeling of childlike joy. Yoga Journal online is a wonderful resource for pose breakdowns, and it provides history and explanations of most pose names.

While in class, rather than tuning out, tune in. Choose one aspect of practice to focus on and keep that focus throughout. Maybe one day, focus intensely on your breath, the next day, your uddiyana bhanda (core). Having one focus throughout class will keep you present, aware, and CHARGED.

If you are a tried and true vinyasa addict, attend a yin class. Yin is a compliment to the vinyasa practice and will challenge you in new ways.

Take the modification and do something different - REENGAGE with your practice. Haven’t practiced with blocks? Practice with blocks. Never tried side crow? Give it a chance! Resistant to meditation? Download the insight timer application and try it, start with 3 minutes and build from there.

As with anything in life, you get out of yoga what you put into yoga. Approach the practice with new, fresh eyes every time you step onto your mat. Find new postures to delight in and new postures to challenge yourself in. Check out Yoga Journal online or get a subscription. Attend a workshop. The world of yoga is endless and is ready for you to explore.

By Liz Skarvelis; All Rights Reserved @2017