Yoga & Meditation
| AtmaVikasa Yoga |
Back Bending | Meditation |
Traditional Yoga at Each Level
Atma (soul) Vikasa (evolution) is a system of hatha-yoga created by Yogacharya V. Venkatesha, a Yoga Master living in Mysore, South India.
This system is an integration of four aspects. These are: 1) the external body (muscles, tendons and ligaments), 2) the internal body (physiological aspects), 3) the intellect, and 4) the spirit. A strong emphasis is placed on body alignment, awareness of the breath and internalizing the effects of the postures. In the traditional format of AtmaVikasa there are 41 asanas. The physical practice consists of the sun salutations (11 asanas combined with the breath), balance and standing postures, back bends, twists and forward bends. The closing sequence includes 11 postures ranging from inversions to the resting pose.
The AtmaVikasa system is based upon the theory that knowledge comes from experience and experience comes from practice (sadhana). The asanas (postures) are taught as a process; subject to change and be changed as one's body and perception changes. The various body positions are the vehicle used in moving from the gross (the body) to more subtle levels (intuition). Yoga is not taught as an exercise alone for the body, but is a sacred tool in learning how to accept and work with limitations, physical problems, pains, injuries and emotional blockages. All of this is understood as being a part of the path.
Heather teaches this system in the tradition of her teacher Yogacharya Venkatesha for which she has been a long-standing student. Minimal physical adjustments are provided and students should not request them. When adjustments are given it is to help the student feel the effects of the asana and to assist them in learning how to gradually adjust their own body into the position. Physical adjustments are considered a temporary aid and do not benefit the student in learning how to develop internally (the mind) and externally (the body). The overall intention is to guide students toward becoming more confident and self-realized practitioners; to understand their own capacity, nature and mind thru the on-going practice.
Back bending is a progressive series of postures that focus on lengthening and opening the spine in backward and forward movements, as well as laterally (sideways). There are many benefits to the body, mind and spirit. Back bending is a precise and intense practice that everyone can learn at any level.
One of the most significant benefits of back bending is the way they challenge us to accept our limitations and to use them as building blocks. Back bends are very invigorating, dynamic and powerful postures. They are uplifting mentally, physically and spiritually. Classes are designed to be challenging both to the physical body and mind.
The 6-week program provides specialized training and instruction in learning back bends while controlling the breath and the mind. Classes address the entire spinal column in a progressive series of exercises as well as postures. Simple to more advanced postures are introduced according to the student's capacity. The classes are taught traditionally in which the focus is placed on the needs and abilities of the individual. DVDs & Books
Classes are in the tradition of Shambhala (a secular form of practice within the Buddhist tradition). However, most (if not all) of the meditation practices available today such as zen, tao and yoga meditation share basic similarities in that they are designed to "still" the mind and its vrittis (thoughts).
During the program the following aspects are taught:
how to sit (alignment, hand positions called mudras, the proper breathing);
basic techniques to developing a regular sitting practice;
Classes are divided into 3 parts:
1) Theory, lecture and question period for students to address personal concerns (15-20 minutes).
2) Sitting practice with guided instructions (20-25 minutes).
3) Closing with a traditional call-answer chant (2 minutes).
The guideline below describes the intensity of the program/class. Students who are new to yoga are welcome to call or write for additional information. It may also be suggested that a private class/program is taken before joining a group program.
Level I: New students and/or beginners of yoga learn to practice the proper techniques, building a solid foundation toward the postures (asanas) of yoga. Focus: Breathing, conditioning exercises and body alignment.
Level I/II: Combined class of beginners with more experienced students. Beginners are guided individually to practice at their own level while experienced students continue to build upon their current level. Focus: More challenging yogasanas combined with the theory and philosophy behind the practice.
Level II: More advanced students. As a guideline students should be familiar with lotus (padmasana) and headstand (shirshasana). Focus: Modifications are not provided and demanding asanas are taught.
Mysore Sadhana: Traditional Mysore practice. These are not formally guided class, but designed to develop an independent "self-practice" of AtmaVikasa Yoga with individual attention and instruction. Recommended for current students. Note: Held on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month.
BB (Back Bending): Taught in the tradition of Yogacharya Venkatesha who holds the rare title of "Rubber Yogi" and a champion of back bending. Since 2000, Heather has studied back bending and advanced asanas under Yogacharya.
Workshops: Various workshops are offered that focus on a specific area. Visit the news page for upcoming workshops.