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Yoga Speak Explained: "take a vinyasa" or "take a flow"

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Let's talk about what it means to "take a flow" in a vinyasa class. Even after years of practicing ashtanga yoga (and there are dozens of vinyasas in the primary series!) I felt like I was out of the loop the first time a vinyasa teacher cued the class to 'take a flow'. ​​​​​​​​​

Given group classes are often only 60 minutes give or take, it's rare that the postures within a vinyasa are explained and taught in detail. This is a transition that involves strength, flexibility, body awareness and precious energy. Like all asanas, vinyasas are optional.


In Sanskrit, the word "vinyasa" can be broken down into two parts:


vi = in a special way nyasa = to place

vinyasa = to place in a special way


So, in short, a "flow" is a vinyasa - a sequence of the following movements:


High plank (phalakasana)

↓

Low plank (chaturanga dandasana)

↓

Upward Facing Dog (urdhva mukha svanasana)

↓

Downward Facing Dog (adho mukha svanasana)



In creative sequencing, a vinyasa can be used as a palette cleanser, or a moment of flow, between postures or between left and right sides.


You might choose to rest in stillness instead of taking a vinyasa. Or, you may choose to modify instead:


Plank on knees

↓

Lower to floor

↓

Baby Cobra (bhujangasana)

↓

Child's Pose (balasana)



Remember: there is no "better" or "worse" - how you choose to practice is up to you, and you only.


Emilie & Julie ♡

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