| There are many forms and styles of yoga practice in | | | | Anusara Yoga. These may be considered the |
| existence today. Some of which are more well known | | | | cornerstones of the practice and are as follows: |
| than others. Many have gained prominence across the | | | | |
| globe and are preferred over other forms by various | | | | 1. One must foster and cherish the belief that all |
| practitioners. One form which has notably grown in | | | | humans are intrinsically good |
| recent years is the Anusara Yoga form. This form is | | | | 2. The use of props to accomplish proper alignment, |
| now being practiced in many countries and is still | | | | back bending, and a style that emphasize an |
| growing. Any inspired person who is seeking to | | | | open-heart for the practice is encouraged |
| practice this form of yoga may find it in the following | | | | 3. Since practice is perfect, the practitioner is expected |
| countries: Australia, Europe, Japan, Mexico, United | | | | to integrate the yoga lessons into his or her life's |
| Kingdom, and the United States. | | | | activities on a daily basis. |
| During 1977, the Anusara Yoga form was founded | | | | One of the beauties of this yoga form is the lightness |
| and developed by an America yogi, whose name is | | | | of it practice. There is no dramatic action which |
| John Friend. The name Anusara may be translated | | | | causes stress in this form. It involves fun, and once a |
| into different meanings. For example, in one sense it | | | | person experiences fun in the practice, at this point |
| means, "Flowing with grace." In this respect, one could | | | | learning becomes easier with the enjoyment of that |
| imagine a sea gull as it flows with grace across the | | | | experience. |
| waves with the wind and without even moving its | | | | Additionally, because of the atmosphere of the |
| wings. Secondly, it could be interpreted as "Following | | | | practice, a family styled bonding is normally developed |
| your heart." As the saying goes, "Where there is love, | | | | between the teachers and students. Such an |
| the heart normally follows." Obviously, John Friend has | | | | environment shows a state of well being for the |
| followed that love in his heart and has invented the | | | | concerns of the students, not just on a physical level, |
| Anusara yoga form by following his heart's love. Finally, | | | | but on a spiritual level also. The posture and practice of |
| it could be distinguished as "Being in the flow." This | | | | this form is not just based on the movements alone. |
| could equate to being in the moment, as in meditation, | | | | There also exists a style of uniqueness and a |
| where a person's focus is directed on the activity at | | | | dimension of artistic expression, which allows the inner |
| hand. | | | | self to connect with admiration of the universe. |
| Several principles are associated with the practice of | | | | |