| The definition of Anusara is to flow with grace, or "go | | | | bright is a feeling and energy that flows from within to |
| with the flow." In beginning Anusara yoga, certain | | | | the outer body. This energy should create a feeling of |
| principles are followed, but participants are also | | | | fullness and buoyancy in the outer body. |
| encouraged to be creative and to go where their | | | | - Muscular energy is that which is drawn into the focal |
| heart takes them. | | | | point. This action causes the pose to be stronger, |
| Philosophy and meaning of Anusara yoga | | | | more stable and more effective. The focal point is a |
| Anusara yoga has a philosophy Tantric in nature, | | | | secondary principle in Anusara yoga involving the pelvis |
| inspiring participants to go where their hearts lead | | | | core, the heart and the palate. In Anusara yoga, the |
| them. It is not a form of exercise, but rather a series of | | | | muscular energy is drawn through the focal point, while |
| yoga poses meant to lead to deeper spiritual meaning | | | | the organic energy is extended outward from it. |
| and connection. It is a way of finding the good in | | | | - The inner spiral is the energy felt throughout the core, |
| everything, including yourself. Basically, you follow the | | | | starting at the feet and running up into the waistline. It is |
| principles to properly achieve the energy, enlightenment | | | | the energy that enables inward rotations of the legs to |
| and state of awareness required. Then you let natural | | | | allow for widening of the pelvis and thighs. |
| creativity take over and go with the natural flow of | | | | - The outer spiral is basically the opposite of the inner |
| nature. | | | | spiral. The outer spiral allows outward rotation of the |
| Universal principles of alignment | | | | thighs. This spiral runs outward from the waistline and |
| There are five main principles in Anusara yoga, which | | | | down and out through the feet. This is the spiral that |
| are called the universal principles of alignment. Anusara | | | | draws the pelvis and thighs inward, rather than |
| originator John Friend defines alignment as "mindful | | | | widening them. |
| awareness of how various parts of ourselves are | | | | - Organic energy is that which extends outward, |
| integrated and interconnected." There also are | | | | starting at the focal point and extending throughout the |
| secondary principles involved. | | | | core of the body. This allows for increased flexibility in |
| For Anusara yoga to be effective, each principle must | | | | poses during Anusara yoga. |
| be followed in succession with each pose, but it is key | | | | Applying principles of Anusara to life |
| to still hold to the preceding principle. For instance, | | | | Anusara yoga is more than an activity, it is a way of |
| before starting any pose, "opening to grace" must be | | | | life. The Anusara yoga community considers itself to |
| achieved. Then throughout the pose, each of the | | | | be very organized. At the same time, there is much |
| alignment principles must be adhered to without | | | | room for individual creativity. Those who practice |
| interrupting the others. | | | | Anusara yoga often apply some of the things they |
| Here are those five principles in detail: | | | | learn to their lives, such as appreciation for the good in |
| - Opening to grace is the act of going with the flow to | | | | everything. Those interested in learning more about it |
| align yourself with supreme consciousness. This is | | | | can learn the principles and techniques from a certified |
| achieved by practicing the poses with an open heart | | | | Anusara teacher through seminars and classes |
| and mind. During this first main principle, "inner body | | | | offered at many yoga centers. |
| bright," a secondary principle, is achieved. Inner body | | | | |