What could be Right Yoga for you? In the modern world, there is this perception about a “right” way to sequence a yoga class. This is especially true with some types of yoga in which the order of poses is set, usually because of an underlying principle that governs the practice.
The principle of sequencing your yoga practice is that, by doing so, you can focus on your breathing and the quality of your asanas rather than navigating through the sequence of postures.
The probables in Yoga Practices
Yoga is all about discovery. It is why instructors are referred to as “teachers” and workouts are described as “practices.” It is yoga with which you will gain insight from everyone you work with (including other students) and apply those experiences to your own practice. As such, yoga is multidimensional with individual experiences and unique forms of expression.
So there are no set rules. Many legendary and iconic teachers give different versions as they are speaking from their own experiences.
It is this variety that keeps yoga relevant as it is evolving with you.
Rationale Sequencing of Poses
While the above is true, there are practical reasons for placing some postures ahead of others. For safety reasons alone, many teachers will begin practice with floor asanas to gradually loosen tendons, muscles, and ligaments before launching into standing postures.
Some teachers follow certain poses (particularly those involving the spine or major joints) with counter-poses. For example, a shoulder stand may be followed by the fish to provide a counter stretch for the neck. Similarly, after a series of backbends, it is often nice to do a forward bend to help release the lower back.
However, there are no hard-and-fast rules.
How to choose Right Yoga for You
Different teaching styles attract different people. If you are someone who prefers greater structure to your practice, Vinyasa yoga may be the better option for you. If, on the other hand, you embrace a more freestyle approach, traditional Hatha yoga can help expand your practice by exposing you to a wider variety of poses.
In the end, there is no right or wrong choice. You simply need to explore which type (or types) of yoga speaks to you as an individual.
Whatever postures you choose, listen to your body. If it is in harmony with mind and thoughts then you have made the right choice
At Vedic Yoga Academy, we place a lot of importance on which Yoga, you should start from. Learn about our approach here
