The practice of vinyasa krama is an important aspect for understanding movements and the sequencing of postures during your yoga practice
The word vinyasa is composed of two words: In Sanskrit “Vi” means order + “Nasya” means placement: The word Krama means “the uninterrupted sequence of events from beginning to end”. Therefore, the entire term means “the ordered placement of the sequence of events.” In yoga this refers to a flowing sequence of asanas linked with your breath and intention.
According to the teachings of yoga & ayurveda, there is no randomness: The sequence of everything is always occurring (moving and changing) and is linked by consciousness at both the macro and micro levels. This is something we often do not perceive.
When you infuse consciousness or awareness into the process of change, you get better insights on how to prepare for the next moment. You can also use intention, to help direct the sequence of changes that benefit yourself and other beings. This is considered to be more of an awakened state.
For example, in Ayurveda, as you get older, you make preparation and establish daily mind & body routines that help you prepare for aging and give you longevity.
In yoga you can apply the vinyasa krama principle: a well thought out sequence of yoga postures where there is one continuous movement from start to finish. Every movement into or out of a posture is linked to an in-breath or out-breath.
The intention, which is created by the practitioner or teacher, is the underlying reason for the practice which drives the movement forward in a healthy and sustainable way.
Here are some additional important guidelines for vinyasa yoga practice:
- Inhales and exhales should be relatively equal in duration and move the same volume of air.
- Ujjayi breathing can be helpful in regulating and creating heat.
- There should be no pause or retention of breath at any time: the end of every inhale flows into the beginning of every exhale and vice-versa.
- The breath creates a meditative state is used to create more focus and awareness.
- The quality of the breath reflects the quality of the mind in any posture or transition. A smooth even flow of breath creates and reflects a smooth and even mind.
- Like with the breath, there should be no stopping or pause between movements unless moving into a deliberate static pose.
- The transition into or out of the posture should take the same amount of time as the inhale or exhale to which it is linked.
- As soon as a movement is complete (which is the same time as the in- or out-breath is complete), the next movement begins, so the practice flows seamlessly.
- Mula bandha, the root lock, should be applied throughout the practice. It directs consciousness from the mundane to the spiritual which reminds you of your intention.
A mindful vinyasa practice can help break the habit of viewing the world around you as a being completely random. It represents the way nature works – always moving, changing and unfolding with purpose.
“Thus, in your vinyasa yoga practice, you create your movements and perform your postures that unfold sequentially and flows into the next, the way a seed unfolds into a stem, then into a bud, and eventually into a flower. “
Practicing this way, you become tuned into the rhythm and cycles of nature both from the micro and macro perspective. Your yoga practice become conscious and intentional
BENEFITS OF VINYASA KRAMA YOGA
It helps you to develop greater self-awareness
It helps to improve your coordination for the body and senses
It enhances your strength and balance
It induces a sense of physical lightness
It is purifying and helps to detoxify your body.
It improves your immune system
It can help to reduce stress, anxiety and depression
It can increase your attention span and develop stronger concentration
It can induce a flow state which increases positive hormones and improve your mood.
It allows you to connect with yourself – your mind & body on a deeper level
A good yoga course or yoga teacher training program will show you how a vinyasa krama can give you the health, healing and well-being that you need.