Iyengar Yoga is yoga for health, both of the body and the mind. It can be intense, inspiring and informative. Alignment and precision are the backbone of the practice. Just as an architect needs precise measurement to design a building, the body needs correct, precise alignment to get the benefit of the poses. Studying and practicing Iyengar yoga is more than just a physical activity. It is the process of discovering yourself.
B.K.S. Iyengar taught that there are five layers (Kosa) of the body. Annamaya Kosa – anatomical body, Pranayama Kosa – physiological body, Manomaya Kosa – mental/emotional body, Vijnamaya Kosa – intellectual body, Anandamaya Kosa – the state of bliss. If yoga is the Union of the body and mind, then practicing yoga is the way to tap into our consciousness to reach the state of bliss – Anandamaya Kosa.
In Iyengar yoga, you learn to do the asana correctly, to observe and be attentive to your own poses. My class is not focused on exercise, but on teaching alignment, basic anatomy and how it relates to each pose, as well as the philosophy of the eight limbs of yoga. You may find that some poses are demanding and you may be asked to stay longer than you are comfortable. You will be challenged by certain poses because of doubt or fear, but over time you will learn that through persevering you will master them. This is Iyengar Yoga.