2022 – Yoga Enjoy

Types of Pranayama: How To Master The Art of Yoga Breathing

December 26, 2022

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Do you struggle to stay focused and present? Do you find yourself getting tired quickly? Or do you simply seek learning about a more meditative practices? If so, it’s time to learn about the types of pranayama and meet the fourth limb of yoga.

Pranayama is a vital tool for controlling the fluctuations of the mind, finding presence on the mat, and inner peace in the soul and there is more than one type of pranayama. In fact, there are many.

Pranayama connects us to the most vital energy within us, our breath. Practicing pranayama also teaches us how controlling this life force can regulate our energy, improve our mental well-being and deepen our spiritual connection.

But what exactly is pranayama, and why should you practice breathing techniques? Read on to discover everything you need to know about the different types of pranayama you can try today!

The origin and meaning of pranayama

The Sanskrit term pranayama is a combination of two words; ‘Prana’ and ‘Ayama.’ ‘Prana’ means life force, as our breath keeps us alive. ‘Ayama’ translates to extending or stretching but can also mean controlling. Thus, “Pranayama” means lengthening or controlling the life force.

In simple terms, pranayama means actively breathing as you control or extend the inhale and exhale. However, how you do that depends on the specific technique, which we will explore in more detail below.

Pranayama does not necessarily mean slow, deep breathing that is a misconception. Sometimes, it can mean breathing forcefully and rapidly to produce specific effects.

Pranayama is an integral part of yoga practice, and in yogic philosophy, it is one of the eight limbs of yoga.

Types of pranayama and benefits

According to Swami Kuvalayananda, classical Hatha yoga has eight types of pranayama breathing techniques. However, in other lineages and modern-day yoga styles, various breathing techniques are related to yoga. For example, some sources believe there are around 15 types of pranayama in total.

The health benefits of pranayama will depend on the specific technique you do.

Some pranayamas are “cooling,” which have a calming effect on the parasympathetic nervous system and promote relaxation. Cooling pranayamas are good for destressing, reducing anxiety, clearing the mind, and preparing for sleep.

Other pranayamas are “heating” and have a stimulating and energizing effect on the body and mind. Heating pranayamas are good for boosting energy and enhancing focus.

Who should practice pranayama

Beginners can and should incorporate pranayama breathing techniques into their yoga classes. You can do them at the beginning of your asana session, during it, immediately after, or as a separate practice.

You do not need to have mastered the postures to learn the breathing techniques of yoga.

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Power Yoga

Did You Know Of These Benefits Of Power Yoga?

November 15, 2022

The words ‘power yoga’ refers to a robust, fitness-based approach to vinyasa-style yoga and it has many benefits for the human body. Though many people dismiss power yoga as ‘gym yoga’, it was based on the Ashtanga method at its inception.

With its emphasis on strength and flexibility, power yoga is a type of yoga that focuses on increasing muscle strength and endurance. The poses are difficult, and you move swiftly from one to the next.

It’s a good physical workout, and unlike some other types of yoga, where the same series of positions are repeated every time, power yoga lessons are rarely the same.

What Is Power Yoga Exactly?

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Power yoga is described as a type of Vinyasa yoga, which has its origins in Ashtanga yoga, a well-established practise that dates back to the early twentieth century.

Rather than treating each position individually, power yoga focuses on the flow from one to the next and that yields many benefits for the human body. Unlike some other types of yoga, the poses aren’t separated from one another. It is a high-intensity, fast-paced workout which requires shifting from one position to the next quickly while syncing your breathing to your body’s various motions.

Power yoga is more energetic than meditative, even though it demands mindfulness and attention to your breathing.

1. Keeps Your Heart Healthy

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Increasing your heart rate during exercise allows your body to better circulate blood and oxygen to your muscles and organs. As a result, your fitness, stamina, and overall health may increase along with controlling blood and sugar levels, aiding weight loss and reducing the risk of chronic conditions like stroke and diabetes.

2. Builds Strength

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When you hold a pose for more than a few seconds, your muscles are pumped up and forced to work harder to keep you in the position. This can help you gain muscle strength and endurance in a variety of areas across your body.

3. Reduces Stress

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Despite the fact that power yoga is less meditative and more fast-paced than other styles of yoga, a 2017 study indicated that it can lower cortisol, the stress hormone, in the body.

Power Yoga: How To Get Started?

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Typically, power yoga courses are conducted at fitness centers or yoga studios. Look for basic or introductory lessons when you start out. These classes are likely to be referred to as Vinyasa yoga classes as well.

Before signing up for a power yoga session, speak with the instructor or other employees at the fitness facility or studio to learn more about the program and what it entails. Find out what level of knowledge or fitness is required for the class as well.

If you’re new to yoga, you might wish to start with a Hatha yoga introduction session. This will help you become more familiar with a range of yoga poses and how to properly perform them.

Power Yoga Poses

Some power yoga poses one can try are:

Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose)

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Named after the shape of a half-moon, it’s a yoga asana for beginners which makes your legs, buttocks, and spine stronger. It expands your hips, extends your hamstrings and improves balance and coordination.

TIP: Practice this pose on an empty stomach in the morning or four to six hours after a meal during the evening for 15 to 30 seconds.

Salabhasana (Locust Pose)

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Salabhasana, or the Locust Pose, is a grasshopper-like backbend. It strengthens your upper and lowers back muscles. It strengthens your arms and increases your body’s endurance, while soothing anxiety and calming your brain.

TIP: This pose too should be practiced either in the morning or four to six hours after a meal.

Chaturanga Dandasana (Plank Pose)

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Chaturanga Dandasana is also known as the Plank Pose or four-limbed pose as the asana requires the support of all four limbs. It strengthens your arms, legs, and wrists and improves your core stability. It also invigorates your mind and body while increasing your stamina.

TIP: Practice this pose on an empty stomach.

Difference Between Yoga and Power Yoga

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Power yoga moves at a considerably faster speed than traditional yoga.

Power yoga focuses on poses and breathing at a faster, more purposeful speed. Yoga focuses on poses and breathing at a slower, more deliberate pace.

Yoga’s slower pace and other styles that provide a more restorative experience do not provide the same cardiovascular advantages as power yoga.

Power yoga emphasizes transitioning from one pose to the next while exhaling as you do so. Yoga is more concerned with achieving the proper posture with each pose than with the flow of poses.

TIP: It is highly important to take care of your dental and physical hygiene before attending a power yoga class.

When To Avoid Power Yoga

Power yoga should be avoided when:

You’re not in great shape. Power yoga, at the very least, necessitates a moderate level of fitness; otherwise, the physically demanding asanas (poses) might cause more harm than benefit.

You’re expecting a child. During pregnancy, certain asanas have the potential to create difficulties. (Instead, consider mild prenatal yoga courses made just for pregnant people.)

You have a long-term physical illness like diabetes or arthritis.

TIP: Consult a healthcare expert before signing up for power yoga classes.

Benefits Of Power Yoga: FAQs

Q. What is the difference between yoga and power yoga?

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A. The speed of practice is one of the key differences between yoga and power yoga. When practicing yoga, you should take it slowly and move the body parts with caution, all while maintaining a constant flow and a structured rhythm.

Power yoga, on the other hand, is completed in a shorter amount of time than traditional yoga. Even power yoga follows a rhythmical exercise flow that is regulated and consistent. It is done quickly, with body components moving at a faster pace to improve physical fitness.

Q. Is power yoga good for beginners?

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A. Yes. When a loving, competent, and informed teacher leads the class, power yoga is safe for beginners. Additionally, if fitness clubs and studios really desire them, personalized power yoga courses for students with heart conditions, diabetes, or who want to lose weight can also be arranged.

Q. Can I do power yoga every day?

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A. Yes, you certainly can. If you combine daily power yoga with a healthy diet, you’ll be in great condition in no time. Make sure you don’t overdo it. If you’re feeling exhausted or worn out, take a day off and do something interesting and easy like walking, riding, dancing, or whatever you prefer.

Q. Is power yoga better than going to the gym?

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A. One of the best aspects of yoga is that it can be done anywhere and at any time. It can be done without any equipment at home, outside, or in small spaces, but a gym workout requires adequate equipment, accessories, and more space. Yoga is also appropriate for people of all ages. People above the age of 65, as well as those with high blood pressure or cardiac problems, should avoid going to the gym.

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Kundalini Yoga

How does Kundalini Yoga work?

October 8, 2022

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For the most part, Kundalini Yoga is practiced with the eyes closed. Rhythmic movements, co-ordinated with the breath, are interspersed with rest periods and self observation. As self-awareness increases, the mind begins to drop it’s constant chatter, the nervous system changes gears and this stimulates an endocrine response.

The cascade of electrical impulses and hormone messages triggers the brain to switch from Beta, stress response brain waves, to healing Alpha and even Theta brain waves. Within this state of mind, one becomes present. The mind becomes clear, relaxed and focused and states of deep inner wisdom and peace become the norm.

What are The Benefits from this Yoga?

Helps to reduce anxiety and depression

Improves mental health and feelings of wellbeing

Helps to promote a positive self image

Increases emotional awareness and helps one process negative emotions and experiences

Reduces overwhelm and promotes resilience

Balances the nervous system to promote healthy sleep and improve energy levels

Balances the endocrine system and regulates hormones

Improves mental clarity, focus and cognition

Promotes a strong sense of self, promotes healthy decision making and boundaries

Improves general health, fitness and vitality and reduces pain

Who can practice it?

Many people imagine that they are not flexible or fit enough to attend a yoga class, however, this is rarely an issue with Kundalini. Although the practice can often be physically challenging, each individual goes at their own unique pace and participates only at the level that is safe and achievable for them. Within a class, you will find experienced yogis and beginners participating side by side, with both benefiting from the group experience.

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Karma Yoga

September 13, 2022

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Karma moves in two directions. If we act virtuously, the seed we plant will result in happiness. If we act non-virtuously, suffering results.

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Karma Yoga emphasizes on selfless action and service, while being detached from any reward or result. It states that once you achieve selfless acts, your mind becomes pure. The word Karma means to do and the word Yoga means union. Therefore you’re on a path of union by action. This includes your will and the way you act.

Karma is like an active bank account of actions. Many proverbial sayings are based on this: you will reap what you sow, what goes around comes around and you get what you deserve. Your past karmas will affect your future.

According to Hindu philosophies, certain individuals are born with certain karma abilities, both negative and positive. This stems from past lives and push towards performing actions in the present. This process is said to continue until no more karma remains, (zero balance), then you can achieve pure liberation. Rebirth, with your karmic bank balance, is what Hindus call reincarnation. This will be the basis of your future life. That’s why one child may be born in poverty and one may not.

Karma can also be created in your current life. Your soul records an imprint of every action taken. Since karma is one of the things we take with us when we die, depending on your actions in this life, you can take good or bad karmas with you to the next life.

We must work in harmony with the greater power of the universe and not be egotistically driven and have obsessive desires regarding the future. If we follow this, then we can live fully in the present moment.

We are each responsible for our own destiny. We are born to be balanced physically, mentally and spiritually. Until this happens, we will continue to be reborn. Once we are balanced, we get liberated from this earth cycle, and no more rebirths will take place.

We should work with a cheerful attitude and inner peace doing what suits us best and not focus so much on the end result.

How to Change your Karmas

Increase your good karmas by doing good deeds.

You can erase bad karmas and earn good karmas with your actions.

Positive thinking with appropriate actions, will generate good karmas.

Practice meditation to resolve your karmas. Realize your problems and solve them.

Prayers are also a powerful way to resolve karmas.

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Jnana Yoga

What Is Jnana Yoga? Meaning, Benefits & How to Practice the Yoga of Knowledge

August 16, 2022

Yoga is a path to many things, whether you’re striving for peace, the perfect posture, or a more balanced life. But, one of the most important (and challenging) paths found in yoga is Jnana Yoga. Known as the Path of Knowledge or Gyana Yoga, this powerful practice is about courageously examining our inner world—flaws, worries, emotional triggers and all—so we can live with eyes wide open. Unlike passing highs from scrolling on Instagram or shopping at the mall, Jnana Yoga offers us the kind of radical self-awareness and peace we are all seeking deep down.

While practicing and even pronouncing Jnana Yoga can be challenging, you don’t have to be a revered guru or experienced yoga instructor to understand it. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain the meaning of Jnana, its benefits, how to pronounce it correctly, as well as simple ways you can walk the Path of Knowledge in your daily life.

What Is Jnana Yoga?

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Unlike Vinyasa or Hatha Yoga, Jnana Yoga isn’t a physical asana practice. It’s one of the Four Paths of Yoga which were designed to lead spiritual seekers to enlightenment or true self-awareness.

The four paths presented in yoga philosophy are:

Karma Yoga (the Path of Duty)

Bhakti Yoga (the Path of Devotion to Purity)

Raja Yoga (the Path of Self-control)

Jnana Yoga (the Path of Knowledge of Self)

Also known as Gyana Yoga, Jnana Yoga is defined as the practice of shedding the ego and gaining knowledge of the true Self through self study and analysis. With this deep awareness of the ‘Self’, you are able to understand the difference between what is real and unreal.

What Does Jnana Yoga Mean?

“Jnana” means knowledge or awareness, and “Yoga” refers to the unity of the Self with reality. Together, these words refer to awareness and understanding of the Self.

It’s important to emphasize that the knowledge referred to in this definition of Jnana Yoga is knowledge of and about the Self. Jnana Yoga is not about the pursuit of any kind of information. It relates only to gaining knowledge and awareness about the ‘Self’. On a surface level, this could be understanding your physical, mental, and emotional limitations. On a deeper level, self-knowledge is the awareness that the individual Self is inseparable from the higher Self, or greater whole.

How to Pronounce Jnana Yoga

The pronunciation of Jnana can be a tongue-twister for even the most experienced practitioners. That’s because it has been passed down across various dialects and written records, resulting in a uniquely challenging name to pronounce. The trick for an English speaker is to almost completely ignore the written letters as Jnana Yoga is not pronounced the way it looks.

Jnana is pronounced as “G’yahn”, in some places you might also see it spelled as “Gyana”. That’s a hard “G”, as in “good”, and an “ah” as in “open up and say ah”. When pronounced traditionally, Jnana Yoga becomes “Gyan Yōg”, with the final “a” silent in both words.

Principles of Jnana Yoga

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Jnana Yoga is the path of self-inquiry—a logical exploration inward to understand your essence beyond surface thoughts, feelings, and ego. Practicing self-reflection with radical honesty, you acknowledge weaknesses and areas needing growth.

Through this practice, you also tap into pure inner wisdom and purpose at your core; what some call the higher Self. However, before you can embark on this life-changing journey, you first need to understand the meaning of knowledge and ego as it relates to the Self.

How to Practice Jnana Yoga

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Practicing Jnana Yoga involves receiving knowledge, analyzing it, understanding it, and detaching the ego from the Self in the process. This makes a person stronger and guides them closer to purity. By being curious about the world and patient in our approach, we effectively practice Jnana Yoga and progress in the journey toward true awareness of Self.

Jnana Yoga offers three powerful yet simple practices to attain self-awareness: hearing the wisdom, reflecting on the teachings, and meditating on the Self.

Hearing the Wisdom

The first step towards self-awareness is to open your heart and mind to the wisdom of yoga and Vedic philosophy. Set aside time each day to read yogic texts like the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita. Try to understand the deeper meaning behind the words by attending lectures or enrolling in yoga philosophy courses where you can discuss your insights with a teacher or fellow student. Take notes and cultivate an open and receptive attitude rather than just an intellectual approach.

Reflecting on the Teachings

After hearing the wisdom, you need to reflect on the lessons and insights you’ve found. Think deeply about the spiritual principles and how they challenge or align with your own beliefs and preconceptions. How would applying this wisdom transform your perspective in daily life? For example, reflecting on interconnectedness can lead you to act with more compassion and empathy. Allow the teachings to illuminate every aspect of your life and be willing to adjust attitudes and behaviors to follow this wisdom.

Separating Truth from Illusion

After observing and reflecting on this knowledge, the next step is to determine what is the truth and what is not. The ancient Indian teachings of the Upanishads explain that anything that comes and goes, changes, or has flaws does not reflect the deepest truth of things. This includes our normal everyday view of the world and universe.

Even though our view of the material world has practical everyday truths and use, the Upanishads suggest it does not capture the Whole Truth. Beneath the partial, shifting projections of our minds shines Brahman, the one unchanging and flawless Truth that remains when our limited views fall away. This is why the sages encourage us to question appearances and preconceptions we know as the truth. As we look carefully with an open, patient attitude, we start to sense the changeless perfection always there behind the scenes.

Meditating on the Self

The final Jnana Yoga practice involves dedicated meditation or self-inquiry and understanding the difference between the physical, astral, and spiritual body. The best way to approach this, especially if you lead a busy lifestyle, is to establish a formal meditation practice by setting aside time each morning and evening.

Sit comfortably in a meditation position and turn your attention inward. Observe the workings of your mind. Notice how thoughts and emotions come and go. Turn your inquiry to the source of consciousness that perceives them. Ask, “Who am I?” and feel into that spacious awareness. Try to view life from the perspective of Absolute Reality rather than just your ego. Over time, you will naturally perform all actions from this place of inner stillness and oneness.

Remember, self-discovery through Jnana Yoga is a lifelong process; one often filled with uncertainty. There may be times where you feel lost, but it’s important to remain resilient and stay on track. Each stage has meaning and cannot be rushed. When you need guidance, turn to the Seven Stages of Knowledge outlined in the Vedas. These seven steps act like milestones, helping us track the progress made on the winding road toward self-realization.

Benefits of Jnana Yoga

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As I mentioned earlier, the purpose of Jnana Yoga is not to gain any personal benefit or achievement. That said, there are many ways this practice indirectly enhances your life and relationships, whether you realize it or not. Here are just a few benefits of Jnana Yoga I have encountered on my own journey.

Inspires More Thoughtful Responses

When we take time to observe our typical reactions and dig into the backstory behind them, something changes. We recognize old thought patterns that used to drag us down without question. And suddenly, we can catch that frustration and make space for better choices beyond ego.

Cultivates Meaning & Purpose

As we gain insights through reflection, our true purpose becomes clearer too. We may uncover a talent for healing others through writing or conversation. Or realize we beam sharing little everyday joys despite past beliefs that we had nothing unique to offer. Our purpose unfolds when we can finally see ourselves fully. This leads to a happier, more fulfilled life.

Promotes Self-Acceptance

You know the expression, “you attract what you are”? Jnana Yoga helps us sit courageously with every aspect of ourselves—anger and jealousy included—so we stop judging similar traits in friends or strangers. When ego loses volume, empathy and compassion naturally amplify. Suddenly it becomes so clear we’re all walking the same path together.

Who Should Practice Jnana Yoga?

Practicing Jnana Yoga requires an openness of spirit rather than intellectual genius. More important than IQ are qualities like patience, analytical skill, and a desire to find the truth. Jnana yogis view the world as Maya; a temporary illusion of forms and names. And in life’s constant evolution, they seek the changeless essence beneath it all.

It’s also important to remember that there isn’t only one path to enlightenment. You may choose to combine this path with Karma or Raja Yoga, or walk just one. It all depends on your personality and circumstances.

Final Thought

The path of Jnana Yoga takes real commitment, but the rewards make each step worthwhile. As we question familiar ideas about who we are, walls built by the mind start crumbling and we are able to reconnect with the true wholeness inside.

Practicing Jnana Yoga as a path to self-knowledge can be a very powerful tool to raise your awareness, reduce your ego, and move you closer to the seventh stage of yoga: Enlightenment.

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Jivamukti Yoga

10 of my favorite Jivamukti Yoga photographs

July 3, 2022

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I recently finished creating this image of Sharon Gannon, founder of Jivamukti Yoga. It is one of my favorite portraits of her, combining elements of the past and present.

I took the photograph of her in February of 2013, when I had been working as the Jivamukti Yoga Web Editor for less than a year. Sharon told me she was planning to cut her hair, and wanted to create an image of her flowing locks. She laid on a white backdrop and spread out her hair while I climbed a ladder to photograph her from above. The results were fun, but got set aside as other work came in.

A couple months ago I was going through my archives and found them again. I immediately thought it would be fun to add an interesting background. At the time Sharon was getting ready for the June 23rd release of her book The Magic Ten and Beyond.

An out-of-body experience.

She had previously traveled to Egypt with her partner, Jivamukti co-founder David Life. During the trip she laid in a sarcophagus in the Kings Chamber of the Great Pyramid and had an out-of-body experience. Later in the trip a museum Egyptologist showed David and her a photograph of a cartouche with ten Egyptian hieroglyphs, which he thought would be of interest to them as spiritual seekers. The mystical symbols on the cartouche, along with Sharon’s experience in the pyramid, inspired the sequencing of 10 spiritual practices that became her daily ritual, and the basis for the book.

Blending Egyptian hieroglyphs to the background of the image of Sharon seemed perfect for a portrait. It is also my goodbye gift. After six years I am leaving my employment with Jivamukti to pursue my own dreams. This image seems a fitting way to say goodbye; its creation began near the beginning, and ended near the end.

I am still a Jivamukti Yoga teacher, of course.

Sharon & David, thank you for the opportunities and mentorship. And to all of the people who came through Jivamukti NYC; for months, or for moments; and to all the teachers and customers I helped. Thank you for your presence and support! May you, and may all beings, everywhere, be happy and free.

#ThrowbackThursday Jivamukti Yoga Gallery

Below are 9 more photos that I have recently discovered in my archives. I hope you enjoy them.

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David and Sharon at Wild Woodstock

2013 in Shady, NY. I returned to Wild Woodstock many times to see this view of the teachers and the round window looking out into nature.

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Sharon and Christian giving yoga assists

2015 at Jivamukti NYC – Sharon Gannon and Christian Montegut gracefully wade through dozens of students, giving assists while Sharon teaches.

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Sharon Gannon teaching the teachers

Jivamukti NYC 2015. Some special teachers in the background of this picture, as Sharon makes a point.

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Rima Rani Rabbath giving yoga assist

2016 at Jivamukti NYC. Rima Rani Rabbath is known for her welcoming smile.

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David Life with Purnima Langden

2013 Jivamukti NYC. Sharon and David held a Yoga Assists Workshop for teachers, to launch their Yoga Assists book. Here David demos an assist for Ardha Matseyendrasana, half-seated spinal twist.

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Sharon Gannon laughing while demoing

2013 Jivamukti NYC. Sharon begins cracking up at a joke David made during a demo. I love the expressions on all the faces.

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David Life in Malasana

2013 Jivamukti NYC. David Life in Malasana, during the Magic Ten warmup for the Yoga Assists Workshop.

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Classic Jiva NYC Teachers

2013 Yoga Assists Workshop at Jivamukti NYC. For me, it was a golden age for the Jivamukti teacher community in NYC, and the workshop was a rare opportunity to see them all together. In this photo are Nikki, Jeanine, Narayani, Mimi, and Luis are present here.

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Iyengar Yoga

5 Reasons Why You Should Try an Iyengar Yoga Class

June 14, 2022

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Many times at the end of my Iyengar yoga class I thank my yoga teacher for saving my life. Most of them, including my most cherished, long time Iyengar Teacher, Scott Hobbs, simply smile and acknowledge. As someone with a high stress job that involves lots of heavy lifting, my Iyengar practice has many a time healed my back and saved my sanity. I’ve asked Scott to weigh-in on some key benefits about Why You Too Should Try an Iyengar Class.

About. Grounded in a deeply mind-body-soul spiritual belief system, Iyengar Yoga was created by yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar who began teaching in Pune, India in 1936 at the age of 18 until his death at age 95. Today, his daughter, Geeta, and his son, Prashant—both accomplished teachers themselves—continue his teachings at the Iyengar Institute in India. Therefore, according to Scott, unlike many other yoga practices, Iyengar is a living, constantly evolving, progressive yoga method.The Iyengar family’s teachings are deeply grounded in the yoga sutras of Patanjali, an ancient summation of the path and philosophy of yoga considered to be at least 2,500 years old. B.K.S. Iyengar’s intense practice and over seventy years of teaching have produced significant innovations in the teaching of the art and science of yoga.

The Iyengar method develops self-awareness, intelligent evaluation, and profound inward reflection. The attention to detail and cultivation of awareness is meant to maintain physical safety in the practice, AND also to develop the mental benefits of a complete meditation in action.

B.K.S. focused his yoga methodology to help and actually cure multiple ailments and disorders. These include high blood pressure, depression, chronic neck and back pain, immunodeficiency and glandular imbalances—especially thyroid—to name a few. Here are a four additional powerful reasons/benefits to for you to consider trying an Iyengar yoga class:

Focus on correct anatomical alignment: Emphasis on precise anatomical alignment in all poses makes each pose healthy for joints, ligaments and muscles, allowing the body to develop harmoniously.

Accessibility through the use of props: Iyengar yoga uses props to help the student, regardless of their capabilities or limitations, reach the desired pose (asana). Blankets, belts, chairs, ropes, wooden blocks, and more are used in Iyengar yoga to reach a deeper penetration into the postures. This is key to strengthening the natural curvatures of the spine according to Scott.

Instructors complete comprehensive and rigorous certification: As a result of years of study, instructors can quickly recognize the individual needs of students and identify which props to use and how. Everyone is an individual in life and in yoga. Instructors are taught to understand this key component to help guide students to reach rewarding, profound poses. Iyengar respects boundaries per Scott. “Teach who is in front of you.” ~B.K.S. Iyengar

Longer holds of poses: Higher levels of strength, flexibility, healing and awareness can be reached when more time is spent in each asana (pose). During this time, students reach new levels of consciousness while practicing yoga.

Iyengar is movement appropriate for every level and age versus high impact aerobics, running, etc., according to Scott. I personally love taking an Iyengar class with people who range from Millennials to mid-eighty year olds. It’s a pretty powerful and awe inspiring statement about community and acceptance—something we could all use a little more of these days…

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Scott Hobbs has been practicing and teaching Iyengar yoga for over 35 years. He is a graduate of the first Iyengar teacher training held in Los Angeles in 1981. He started the Iyengar Yoga Institute of Los Angeles in 1984 and was one of the first group of Americans to be certified as an Iyengar Yoga teacher that same year. He is fortunate to have studied yoga with B.K.S. Iyengar and his children Geeta and Prashant.

Currently he teaches at YogaWorks throughout the Los Angeles area. Scott’s classes not only feature his many years of expertise but a healthy dose of humor as well. He is a long time vegetarian and vegan, actively involved in the animal rights movement.Scott is also the Director of the Cameron Parsons Foundation established in 2006 for the purpose of bringing attention to and conserving the artwork and the writings of the late artist Cameron and her first husband, the late scientist and writer Jack Parsons.

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