yoga the art of living

Yoga the art of living? Let's check. Everyone goes to yoga and everyone recommends it, meanwhile you think it's just deep breathing and a lot of boredom? This text is for you. Because... you're wrong, and yoga has so many faces that you'll definitely like one of them. Here's a short guide to different styles of yoga, among which you'll definitely find the perfect one for you. You don't have to visit a dozen different schools to get to know them - read about them!

ASHTANGA

Yoga can calm you down, sure. And loosen tense muscles, and provide a massage to your internal organs. But it can also tire you out! This is Ashtanga, one of the oldest yoga styles. Its cradle is the city of Mysore in India. It is characteristic of Ashtanga that asanas are performed in a strictly defined sequence during classes, always the same. Each session begins with the famous (and very warming!) sun salutations, and then throughout the class you smoothly move from position to position, staying in each for five breaths. You are constantly moving - flow is what counts here! If some positions are too difficult at first, the teacher suggests easier variants. Despite this, it is worth starting with a class or course for beginners - the names of the subsequent asanas are usually given in Sanskrit, and it is also easier to practice if you know their order by heart. This is also a great convenience for those who like to practice independently during Mysore classes, which are the quintessence of Ashtanga - here everyone practices individually. In a group, but solo!

VINYASA

Another type of flow yoga is vinyasa. Here the teacher has more freedom – each class looks a bit different and everything depends on his/her creativity. Similar to ashtanga, you are constantly in movement, which follows your breath. There are many types of vinyasa and they are different: calm slow, faster flow, quite extreme power yoga – after it, soreness and shortness of breath are guaranteed!

YOGA ACCORDING TO IYENGAR

The complete opposite of the most dynamic types of yoga is the calm, somewhat rehabilitative yoga according to Iyengar. Rehabilitative, because tools are often used to perform asanas – blocks, straps, rollers, and even ladders and chairs. They increase the range of movement and allow for safe, precise execution of positions – this is important, because they last longer – several, or even a dozen or so minutes.

YIN YOGA

Another calm form of yoga is yin yoga. It's not you who does the work, it's gravity! You stay in stretching positions for a very long time, allowing your muscles to fully relax. You may be surprised how nourishing it is for your muscles to simply lie down sometimes... It's a bit different in the case of yoga for your spine - the pace is also slow, but the asanas are a bit more dynamic and are designed to strengthen your deep muscles and the muscular corset of your torso. Backbends and twists can also really tire you out, believe me... But your back will thank you for it - and sooner than you think.

For those looking for thrills and who like novelties, there is yoga in scarves – in special hammocks suspended from the ceiling. It has something in common with acrobatics and (a lot!) with flying. Asanas are performed in the air with one point of support on the floor or… completely in the air. It looks beautiful, light and airy, but the muscles work!

BIKRAM YOGA

Another powerful experience can be Bikram yoga, also known as hot yoga. The room, where you always do the same 26 asanas in order, has 41 degrees. Sauna! Sweat pours in streams, the body cleanses, and the skin smoothes and tightens. Note that this is also the only type of yoga that allows (and even recommends!) drinking water during classes. And the one that strengthens the immune system the best!

KUNDALINI YOGA

Spiritual powers are best shaped by kundalini yoga, the most exotic and esoteric of the types described here. Asanas are quite easy and rather dynamic than static – and they can be performed for several minutes. This can be a challenge! Their task is to unblock the chakras and strengthen the flow of prana, or life energy. During classes, matras are sung and pranayama is practiced. Asanas are arranged in so-called kriyas, or, in simple terms, sets that are intended to affect specific physical or emotional problems. This yoga guarantees true spiritual transformation.

As you may find out, every yoga practice leads to change – always for the better. It helps me in my daily functioning, but most of all in difficult moments. I went to yoga for the first time 10 years ago when I decided to produce natural cosmetics. And it has stayed with me to this day. My yoga is Ashtanga. It is always with me, even when I travel around Asia.