From Yin to Vinyasa

Often, I hear people say, "I can't do yoga because I'm not flexible," or "It's not for me, it's too slow," and even "Yoga is for women" or "Yoga is for people who are spiritual." Luckily, this is all nonsense. First of all, being flexible is not a requirement to practice yoga, it's a convenient consequence. Second, whether you're a beginner, advanced, feeling tired, or looking for a challenge, there's always a style of yoga for everyone. It doesn't always have to be slow and relaxed. Let's explore a few yoga styles, and who knows, you might find something that suits you.

Disclaimer: This is a brief summary, covering only a few yoga styles.

Vinyasa yoga

Let's start with one of my favorites: Vinyasa! I love losing myself in a flowy flow, connecting every move with my breath. It's a powerful practice for grounding and setting intentions. By focusing on my breath, it's much easier to be fully present. As you move through each sequence, you have the opportunity to connect with yourself, quiet your mind, and cultivate a sense of inner peace. Vinyasa has a beautiful way of helping you unwind and release tension and stress.

Hatha yoga

In contrast to the fast-paced nature of Vinyasa yoga, Hatha has a slower pace, focusing on proper alignment and deep breathing. You hold poses for longer, which helps build strength and balance while calming your mind. With each breath, you find stillness inside and out. Through simple tools like mantras (repeated sounds), bandhas (body locks), and kriyas (cleansing techniques), Hatha reaches your inner self too.

Long story short , Hatha yoga is a peaceful journey inward, where every breath brings you closer to balance and serenity.

Ashtanga yoga

Ashtanga yoga is traditional, structured, and full of challenges. It's perfect for those who crave a focused and intense practice. You follow a specific sequence of postures, moving through them in a dynamic flow. Each pose builds upon the previous one, gradually building strength and flexibility in your body. While it may be more intense than other styles, the structured nature of Ashtanga yoga encourages focus and discipline. It’s not only a challenge for your body but also a test of your determination and inner strength.

Lyengar yoga

Lyengar yoga welcomes everyone with open arms, whether you're a beginner or have physical limitations. This style, developed by B.K.S. Lyengar, is known for its precision and alignment. Props such as blocks, straps, and blankets are your besties. They support your body and help you find the perfect alignment in each pose, making the practice safe and accessible for everyone. This not only prevents injuries but also nourishes both body and mind.

Yin yoga

I love practicing Yin Yoga in the evening, as it's a perfect way to relieve stress and relax. Unlike more dynamic styles of yoga, Yin Yoga embraces slowness and stillness, finding peace in the quiet moments on the mat. You hold poses for a minimum three minutes, allowing for a deep and nourishing stretch of the connective tissues. As you stay in the poses for a longer time, it's important not to push yourself too far. Let gravity do its work, sinking into each pose with ease and relaxation.

Restorative yoga

Everyone deserves some restorative yoga in today's fast-paced world. Similar to Yin Yoga, the practice of restorative yoga involves taking our time, holding each pose for an extended period. By using props to support the body in gentle, passive poses, you can surrender into deep relaxation. However, in restorative yoga, there's minimal stretching or tension in the body. Instead, the focus is on finding comfort. This allows the body to release tension and stress, promoting physical and mental well-being. It's a chance to press pause and truly unwind.

Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra AKA Enlightened Sleep; a form of meditation that offers a pathway to inner peace. During a Yoga Nidra session, you are guided to turn your awareness inward. I only experienced a Yoga Nidra class once, and I felt amazing. Just before bed, I listened to the instructor's soothing voice, which brought me into a state between sleeping and waking. While the mind and body rest, consciousness remains awake and aware. Yoga Nidra deepens self-awareness and fosters a sense of inner peace that lingers long after the practice ends.

Conclusion

I believe one of the most important things in life is to listen to your body, to tune into your needs. Each style is unique and offers something different, allowing you to make your practice as you need it to be in the moment. So, take a step back, pause, and truly feel what your mind and body need today. Sometimes, I crave a gentle, relaxing class. Other times, I want a sweaty, intense Ashtanga session.

Enjoy exploring all the different styles, and remember that yoga is not just about the poses or how you look doing them. It's about taking time for yourself, standing still, the journey of self-discovery, self-care, and self-love. Namasté.