What is Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa is a style of yoga that is practiced linking conscious breath with fluid movement. A series of yoga postures (asanas) are connected in a flowing sequence ~ almost like a dance. The breath guides the timing, co-ordination + rhythm of each movement, which is why many vinyasa or ‘flow’ yoga classes are a accompanied by music or a steady beat.
Transitions between postures are just as important as the poses themselves. Transitions enable the flow of movement + distinguish vinyasa flow from other yoga styles, such as Iyengar or Yin or Restorative yoga which tend to be more static in nature.
Sun Salutations
One of the most widely practiced Vinyasa sequence is the Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskara). There are a few variations, but all involve flowing postures designed to mobilize the spine, energize the body + cultivate focus through coordinated breath + fluid transitions.
Sun Salutations are practiced across many yoga disciplines + are an excellent way to warm up the body + center the mind which is why it is many a yogis favorite way to start the day. You can read more about Sun Salutations HERE from the Blog.
Mountain FLOW
I practice + teach Mountain Yoga Flow which blends Vinyasa with Qi Gong + mindful movements that stimulate specific energy channels (meridians).
The focus, pace + intensity of the practice changes with the season reflecting the rhythms of mountain life + adventures. Each season invites a different variety of sequenced poses that support the body’s energy + align with nature according to the 5 element theory (derived from traditional Chinese Medicine). You can read more about this HERE from the Blog
Origins of Vinyasa Yoga
Whilst Yoga is founded in the philosophy + concepts of ancient Hindu texts (first mentioned 3,500 years ago in the Rig Vedas), we attribute Krishnamacharya (1888-1989) as the pioneer of modern postural yoga. A scholar, Ayurvedic practitioner + an athlete, he was also a yoga teacher who was first to refine the yoga postures (asanas), to sequence them optimally (‘krama’) + to understand the therapeutic values attributed to specific asanas + vinyasa.
Krichnamacharya was the first to bring yoga beyond spiritual seekers, into the wider group for personal health, fitness + wellbeing while continuing to offer the spiritual aims taught in Patanjali’s Sutras + the 8 Limbs of Yoga.
His Vinyasa yoga approach infused the 8 limbs with the discipline of postures (Asanas) with breath control (Pranayama), focused gaze (Dristi) to aid sense withdrawal (Pratyahara) + deep concentration (Dharana) to optimise a meditative effect (Dyana), ultimately supporting steadiness, contentment + calm ~ the yogic goal (Samadhi).
Prominent students who carried his teachings forward include the innovators of modern day yoga styles practiced throughout the world today:
Sri Pattabhi Jois of Ashtanga Vinyasa
Indra Devi the ‘first lady’ of modern day yoga
T K V Desikachar the son of Krishnamacharya and founder of Viniyoga
What does ‘Vinyasa’ mean?
The word ‘Vinyasa’ comes from Sanskrit: ‘nyasa’ (to place) and ‘vi‘ (in a special or sacred way). Conceptually Vinyasa is a sequence, a pattern or a wave that has a start, a middle + an end. A cycle that flows intelligently + progressively or a collection of cycles of progressive change with an evolutionary quality. So when we come across clever patterns, systems + cycles that unfold with ease + synchronicity ~ these are vinyasas.
The natural world is full of Vinyasas:
- A Year ~ Earth’s orbit around the sun
- A Month ~ Moon’s orbit around the Earth
- A Day ~ 1 revolution of the Earth on its axis
- A complete breath ~ start of the inhale to the end of the exhale
- The Carbon cycle ~ Exchange of carbon dioxide + oxygen through the respiration of oceans, plants, animals + humans (CO2 production) which is exchanged by photosynthesis of trees + plants to produce oxygen which is taken up by oceans, plants, animals + humans for the cycle to begin again.
- The cycle of Seasons ~ changes in daylight, temperature, environment + climate that force the Natural world to adapt + change as the seasons change.
- A Trees life cycle ~ from seed to maturity via a sprout, then sapling, then tree that in turn reproduces seeds so the cycle can continue. On death, the nutrients of the tree give back to the soil to optimise the environment for another tree. Vinyasas within a Vinyasa.
- A human life ~ a cycle from birth to death
These are all examples of Vinyasas…. In contrast, it is worth noting that where a sequence or pattern is not harmonious, is out of balanced or out of sync ~ or is lacking development or has a destructive end, it is not a Vinyasa. It is by definition simply a ‘Nyasa’
Vinyasas support + nurture us + make shifts in consciousness + evolution possible. They help us feel more in flow ~ more purposeful ~ more balanced ~ more at peace – more alive.
When we embrace a conscious flow mindset, we can better understand the impact of our actions on ourselves, our communities + the planet ~ evolving to become protectors of the balance of Nature + moving toward a more harmonious way of living.
This is the Yoga, a sense of union, or non-separation with the cycles within us + all that is around us.
How to get more from your Vinyasa Yoga practice
Many people practice vinyasa yoga for the physical benefits ~ strength, flexibility, balance, a ‘yoga body’ ~ but this is only part of the journey. When practiced regularly in this way will undoubtedly lead to more self awareness or a more spiritual experience. In some respects having the discipline of going to class or practicing at home is a vinyasa in itself. A deeper experience can come with intention + willingness to practice from the origins (8 limbs) of yoga, to better know ourself by connecting breath + movement with mind + energy ~ to feel more connected + whole.
To deepen your practice:
- Set a positive intention each class / each new moon / as the seasons change.
- Breathe consciously + with control
- Move mindfully with each inhale + exhale
- Observe postures + transitions between postures without judgment or comparison.
- Treat the practice as a moving meditation, focusing on the process rather than the outcome
With consistent practice, you cultivate awareness, balance + calm. The benefits extend beyond the mat: you feel lighter, brighter, more relaxed + more connected to yourself + the world.
Vinyasa Yoga is not just exercise or a work out ~ the cycles of breath with movement become a vinyasa that evolves into a moving meditation ~ which in turn guides us toward our truest nature, harmonizing body, mind + spirit ~ and each time we leave the mat, we do so feeling transformed ~ altered ~ balanced.
So roll out your mat and enjoy the ride… Namaste x