Anusara Yoga- A Modified Haath Yoga for Complete Wellness!!
Anusara (a-nu-sar-a) means 'flowing with Grace', 'going with the flow', 'following your heart'. Anusara yoga a powerful, therapeutic hatha yoga system of joyful heart opening and strong principles of alignment.
Anusara is heart oriented, inspiring and yet grounded in Universal Principles of Alignment for both inner and outer body. It is a unique, therapeutic style of Hatha Yoga in which the artistic expression of the human heart blends magically with the scientific principles of biomechanics. Anusara was founded and created by John Friend in 1997.
Anusara classes are lighthearted, positive and fun. They are not easy; however, as they include vinyasa flow and a lot of alignment work. The emphasis on props, however, makes them accessible to students of differing abilities. Anusara appeals to those who want to work both their physical and spiritual well-being.
Principles of Anusara Yoga:
The Three A's - Attitude, Alignment, Action
The practice of Anusara Yoga can be broadly categorized into three parts: Attitude, Alignment, and Action.
The concept of Attitude is related to the Tantric concept of Iccha Shakti, which is defined as the energy or power of fullness, or will. The concept of Attitude is related to the heart. Attitude, according to John Friend, is the "power of the heart as the force behind every action or expression in an asana." It is "the aspiration to reawaken to our divine nature, and the celebration of life."
The concept of Alignment is related to the Tantric concept of Jnana Shakti, which is defined as the energy or power of awareness. The concept of Alignment is related to the mind. Alignment, according to John Friend, is the "mindful awareness of how various parts of us are integrated and interconnected."
The Universal Principles of Alignment
- Opening to Grace: The practitioner sets the intention to place oneself in alignment with the flow of Supreme Consciousness. For asana practice, this includes having an attitude of soft-hearted devotion, and open-mindedness
- Muscular Energy: A drawing of energy from the periphery of the body into a central location in the body, called a Focal Point. The goal is to increase stability, strength, and physical integration in the pose.
- Inner Spiral: An expanding energy spiral. In the legs it runs from the feet up through the pelvis into the waistline area. Inner Spiral rotates the legs inward, moves the thighs backward, and widens the thighs and pelvis.
- Outer Spiral: A contracting energy spiral. In the legs it runs from the waistline area down through the tailbone and out through the legs and feet. Outer Spiral draws the pelvis and thighs closer together, moves the tailbone and thighs forward, and rotates the legs outward.
- Organic Energy: An outward extension of energy from the Focal Point through the core lines of the body to the body's periphery, which increases expansion, flexibility, and freedom in the pose.
Action
The concept of Action is related to the Tantric concept of Kriya Shakti, which is defined as the energy or power of action. The concept of Action is related to the body. Action, according to John Friend, is the "natural flow of energy in the body, which provides both stability and joyful freedom."
John Friend draws the following analogy on the use and interplay of Attitude, Alignment, and Action in one's yoga practice:
Benefits of Anusara Yoga:
- Uplifting and empowering,
- Find your individuality and creative self-expression,
- Enhance and reveal the beauty of life,
- Unveil your innate goodness,
- Build and empower self-esteem,
- Find light-heartedness,
- Playfulness, and joyful creativity,
- Feel yourself empowered by the revelation of your divine nature
Summary:
Developed by John Friend, the Anusara system's highest intentions are to align with the Divine, and to step deeper into the flow of Grace. The poses of Anusara Yoga are considered to be "heart-oriented" and the benefits of regular study are radiant health and wellness, enhanced self esteem, light heartedness, and a heightened awareness of the grand celebration of all of life.
