Yoga for the Dancer The Various Yoga Disciplines III
We will continue with our various Yoga disciplines. The introduction to these different venues gives you an idea of the different Yoga systems, and you may want to think of Yoga as a lifestyle. Yoga once or twice a week for an hour or so is certainly better than no Yoga at all. And Yoga can be enormously beneficial even when practiced only as fitness training. But you unlock the real potency of Yoga when you adopt it as a lifestyle.
Integral Yoga was developed by Swami Satchidananda, a student of the famous Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh, India. Satchidananda made his debut at the Woodstock Festival in 1969, where he taught the American Baby Boomers to chant OM for peace. Over the years he has attracted thousands of students including leading heart specialist Dr. Dean Ornish, who has gained fame through his program of reversing heart disease by using Yoga. As the name suggests, the style integrates the various aspects of the body/mind through the combination of postures, breathing techniques, deep relaxation, and meditation. Many of Satchidananda therapeutic aspects of Yoga are used in medical settings around the country. He has synthesized many different types Yoga and stresses a life lived simply, peacefully, and usefully. A sense of well-being and peace dominates the Yoga classes, which follows a set format of positions, deep relaxation, and meditation. Emphasis is placed on relaxation, alignment, and finding your comfort zone while practicing Yoga. He also combines breathing exercises (pranayama), selfless service, chanting, prayer, and self-inquiry. Satchidananda established the Integral Yoga Institute in 1966, and it now has 40 branches world wide. The main head quarter is a Satchidananda Ashram- Yogaville, Buckingham, Virginia 23921 (804) 969-3121 or (800) 858-YOGA. Besides offering courses in Raja Yoga (to gain insight) and classes specifically designed for people with injuries or physical problems, they offer an in-depth teachers certificate training program. You may also contact : Integral Yoga Institute at 770 Dolores St. San Francisco, CA 94110 (415) 824-9600.
ISHTA was developed by South African teacher Mani Finger and popularized in the states by his son Alan Finger. ISHTA means Integral Science of Hatha and Tantric Arts, and focuses on opening energy channels throughout the body with postures, visualizations, and meditation. The word ISHTA has a two-fold definition. In Sanskrit, it means developing a personal Yoga practice that meets your individual needs. For the ISH, it stands for the physical practice of Yoga that creates balance, the T is the Yogic philosophy that recognizes the perfection in all beings, and finally the A is Ayurveda (the Indian science of healing). The father and son's tradition has roots in the teachings of the classic spiritual author of Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramahansa Yogananda. ISHTA draws from many Yoga traditions: it incorporates the gentle, flowing poses of Viniyoga; the more vigorous flowing poses of Ashtanga Yoga; the careful alignment and use of props of Iyengar Yoga; as well as including various forms of meditation and relaxation.
The beauty of a second generation teaching Yoga in OUR lifetime, is Alan's warmth and simplicity. His Yoga is modern, dynamic distillation of spiritual traditions blended into a form of Yoga that is joyful, accessible, and vibrant. His serious knowledge is spiced with humor. Alan has found a way to transmit the joy, simplicity, and profound secrets of asana, pranayama, and meditation to all students. I feel fortunate that my own teacher, Richard Hittleman, like Alan's teacher/father (and also John Friend's teacher) were all of the same generation spanning off-springs and future teachers. They helped instill the seriousness of Yoga, but yet, the light of heart playfulness that helps keep all of US young. Here's To Your Dancing Health!
Downward Dog Variation II
This is an excellent OVERALL BODY stretch. It stretches the SPINE, LEGS, ARMS, and if you get your heels down, you receive extra stretch in the CALVES and ACHILLES TENDON. The ARMS and WRISTS are strengthened. It is similar to an inversion pose so it increases CARDIAC response. By circulating the BLOOD, the BRAIN, SENSES, and FACE receive additional blood flow. This variation requires stretch in the SHOULDERS and WRISTS. It also increases flexibility in the HAMSTRINGS and PELVIS. This pose has a strengthening and invigorating effect. Dancer and I disclaim any liabilities or loss in connection with the exercise and advice herein.
1. Begin on your hands and knees, legs are separated and your hands are in alignment with your knees.
2. Curl your toes and push into the floor with your hands and feet lifting your buttocks upward. Keep your neck relaxed and your head down.
3. Lift your right leg toward the ceiling and hold 10-20 counts.
4. Bend your knee and let the heel fall near the buttocks. Extend the bent knee higher up and back. This will work into the abdomen and help tone the organs. The right side edge of the outer body stretches upward from the wrist, through the underarm, and along side the chest to the hip. Hold 10-20 counts. Repeat identical movements with the left leg. Rest and repeat both legs bent again.