Anusara yoga , a new style of yoga mixing alignments and meditation.

You may not know the discipline of anusara yoga , because it is a type of yoga born in the 90s. Even if it is recent, it is nonetheless devoid of meaning. Indeed, anusara allows the discovery of your ''inner self'' based on the principle that the divine is present in each person. Alignment asanas and meditation will be performed during the yoga class promoting letting go and positivity, but also a body in great shape.

The History of Anusara Yoga

The word ''anusara'' is taken from the sacred text Kularnava Tantra. This term means ''meditating with grace'', ''being in the flow'' and ''listening to one's heart''. However, the origin of anusara yoga is very recent, as it was invented in 1997 in the United States by John Friend (American yoga teacher). Nowadays, this type of yoga is practiced in particular in North America, Europe, Japan, Australia and Mexico.

Principles of Anusara Yoga Between Alignment Postures and Meditation

The discipline of anusara yoga encourages spirituality and the connection between the mind and the body. This practice is based on the realization of alignment yoga postures , but also meditation. The sequences are similar to Vinyasa Yoga. You will find 5 types of alignments:

  • Muscle energy,
  • Organic energy,
  • The inner spiral,
  • The outer spiral,
  • Opening to grace.

From a more spiritual point of view, anusara yoga is based on the fact that there is goodness in everyone and that the divine can be revealed there. Self-discovery is here a way to be more positive, zen, to let go and open up to others. It is also an aspiration to beauty, truth and creativity.

Who can practice anusara yoga?

The practice of anusara yoga is suitable for everyone, regardless of age. However, it may not be suitable for children overflowing with energy, because this discipline requires concentration. On the contrary, this style of yoga is particularly recommended if you want to acquire well-being and positivism.

A well-crafted anusara yoga session

An anusara yoga class has very specific steps. However, your yoga teacher may take the initiative to modify the anusara yoga session according to the level of the group.

Step 1: The course begins with meditation to promote relaxation of body and mind.

Step 2: Then you chant a mantra, a spiritual song or recite a tantric text.

Step 3: Then come the sequences of alignment asanas to reconnect you with your "inner self", articulated around a theme. The practice of Pranayama punctuates the yoga postures .

Step 4: Finally, you end with a moment of relaxation to release the positive energy acquired during the session.

The Wonderful Benefits of Anusara Yoga

The benefits of anusara yoga are felt on your body, mind and spirit from a spiritual point of view. In general, this type of yoga allows for good health, a peaceful mind and a positive spirit. Anusara yoga also allows you to:

  • Refine your figure,
  • Encourage letting go,
  • Acquire greater flexibility,
  • Reduce anxiety and stress while promoting well-being,
  • Have better sleep,
  • Increase your self-confidence,
  • Discover your 'inner self',
  • Improve your breathing capacity with the help of breath practice,
  • Acquire better posture,
  • Strengthen your joints and muscles,
  • Circulate energy in your body,
  • Eliminate toxins from your body, but also from your mind,
  • Improve your emotional control,
  • Have more grace in your movements,
  • Improve your blood circulation.

Find out what vinyasa yoga practice is on the Tayronalife blog.

October 04, 2018 — Patricia Nagelmackers