Yoga sadhana (practice) is a magnificent reflection of all life…its simple and complex cycles, existing as the evolutionary world around us. As a movement meditation, it expresses the dance of the pulse of life through the rhythmic unity of breath and movement. Through mindful practices of asana, pranayama, and self-observation we can tap into the power of subtle exploration of our world, and our inner state. True yoga is the understanding relationship- to our inner and outer realms. Energy flow drives each movement, each breath, and allows us to respond and adapt intelligently as our world demands us to be in a state of constant and sustainable growth.
At some point in the world of modern day “yoga”, with the booming popularity of yoga as a new fitness industry, the *energetic* depth of the practice was put on the backburner. By often being conditioned to ignore our subtle bodies and the energetic forces which support and unfold in each movement and asana, we have lost the most powerful primal quality of asana practice itself. With a perspective like this, there are implications. Injury tends to happen more often, as a result of individuals or instructors pushing themselves on the mat. Not only this, but the “Type-A,” fitness based, and more aggressive or rigid styles of yoga are increasingly aggravating a society which already needs more softening, balancing, and nourishing practices in their lives. Now, of course, this is not present in all styles of yoga, and each branch on the tree of modern yoga has its inherent value whether it is more exercise oriented or bhakti-centered. The spectrum is wide and everything has its healing role.
There are so many beautiful practices with incredible perspectives into the role of yoga as a healing art. When one looks deeper to examine the current state of modern yoga — therein lies an important question: How can a practice still be challenging, while maintaining energetic awareness, safety in movement, and sustainability as a lifestyle choice? How can we stoke the fire without burning out? As a teacher and student of Prana Vinyasa yoga, I have experienced this practice as the inspiring middle ground between more regenerative practices, and the healthy challenge so many of us enjoy in a Vinyasa class.
Prana Vinyasa, a uniquely creative and energetic vinyasa yoga practice created by Shiva Rea, revives the connection to our deepest inner intelligence as a reflection of the universal intelligence that guides the natural flow of creation. By bowing to the inner and outer cycles of change, Prana Vinyasa is the dynamic practice which allows us to cultivate a unique and invaluable ability to grow and change with grace. Power is matched with fluidity, linear movement is balanced with circulation, and classical asanas are rejuvenated through intuitive body movements, pulsations, and counterposing. From the classical Krishnamacharyan perspective, the philosophies of Tantra and Bhakti turn strict asana into pure poetry. With 40 unique namaskars, and 64 creative sequences, each new experience in the body is rooted in a solar-lunar and elemental foundation that serves the time of year, time of day, or simply the current state of the practitioner’s life experience.
Through the full spectrum approach to yoga asana and living yoga as a portal to understanding ourselves, we are able to view our world from a more balanced perspective– embracing the cyclical flow of all things — initiation, sustenance, and dissolution. We can draw upon our reactions and resources in the present, and experience a greater ability to embrace change and facilitate our own self healing as the first and most important step to healing the challenges of our outer world. Prana Vinyasa has unlocked my connection to the state of flow as an exquisite evolutionary approach to the art of living, that at once provides a healthy challenge and the juiciness to stay nourished as the practice deepens. The path is continuing to unfold with each breath on and off the mat. I encourage you to incorporate an awareness of the Prana pulsing through you, with every step, dance, embrace, and asana you feel within you. Bowing to the transmissions of my teacher Shiva Rea and all that she has inspired in my journey, I encourage you to enjoy a Prana Vinyasa practice today!
Devon has spent the last seven years cultivating her own abilities as a guide on the mat and her teaching method is centered around serving the deeper intelligent flow of the universe and challenging students to explore the way they can connect to that subtle energy. Teaching at a variety of festivals, events, and studio settings, Devon’s unique ability to lead group practices with graceful clarity shines through. Through intelligent sequences and creative soundscapes, Devon’s practices are a full yogic experience of integration between the mind and body, guided by the breath. She is currently active in the Samudra Global School of Living Yoga, has over 1,000 hours of teaching experience at all levels, assists teacher trainings, and offers treatment-based therapeutic bodywork in Denver and Boulder. www.intelflowtherapy.com