“Yoga is like music: the rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life" - B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Life.
More and more people all over the world are reaping the health benefits of yoga, but there are still many individuals who haven’t witnessed the beneficial takeaway from a good yoga session. Perhaps they feel it's not their cup of tea, or maybe they’re just afraid that they aren’t doing the poses correctly. No matter what the excuse may be, the truth is if you want to quiet your mind, build strength or stamina after an injury, or just stay healthy, Iyengar yoga is perfect for you.
Dipika Iyengar Yoga
Dipika Iyengar yoga is a cautious, gentle form of yoga that is great for getting you started down a lifelong path of yoga study. Whether you’re just starting, or if you fancy yourself an advanced yogi, Iyengar Yoga can help you refine and perfect your practice. Due to the dedicated regiment involved with Dipika Iyengar yoga, the strong focus on proper alignment, and the use of props, it’s a great choice regardless of your level of practice.
But What is Dipika Iyengar Yoga?
The system that we know as Iyengar yoga was created and developed over 75 years ago by Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar. Throughout his life, Mr. Iyengar devoted an endless amount of time to the evolution of his unique approach to yoga, which is based on the traditional eight limbs of yoga, which was originally taught over 2500 years ago by the sage known as Patanjali. Mr. Iyengar believed that yoga extends far beyond just being a physical discipline, he believed that it is also an art, a science, and a philosophy. This concept stood at the foundation of his system.
One of the best things about Iyengar Yoga is that it’s easily accessible for all ages and all body types. It is known for its intense focus on precision and timing, while also implementing the use of props, which were fully designed by Mr. Iyengar. It was this approach that helped the practitioner to achieve perfection in any asana as the routine practice of Iyengar Yoga effortlessly integrates the body, mind, and emotions.
This method of yoga is differentiated from other methods by a worldwide, standardized system of instruction. Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers, known as CIYTs, undergo meticulous training and evaluation to earn their certifications. Only these certified teachers are then allowed to call their method of instruction Iyengar Yoga. CIYTs are trained to provide clear demonstrations of every posture and are educated in using simple props to broaden the opening and awareness of the body, providing support to the less flexible and extra extension to those students who are more advanced.
Teaching is aimed toward progressive but constant progress rather than quick and ephemeral results. Each Iyengar Yoga class is comprised of a unique sequence developed by the CIYT to guide students through a safe, systematic, and might I say enjoyable progression. It’s through skilled instruction and practice that students will eventually begin to learn how to penetrate beyond the physical body to the inner layers of mind, energy, and spirit, gaining vitality, clarity, and calm.
Closing Thoughts
Once you’ve taken part in a Dipika Iyengar Yoga class, it’s easy to see just how powerful and sophisticated a discipline it can be. Not only is it a fantastic accessory for obtaining and maintaining optimal health, but it can also be practiced in all stages of life, by all walks of life. The benefits are extraordinary, to say the least, and in my personal experience, it greatly enhances the overall quality of life for those willing to practice it.
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