Sivananda Yoga!!

I get asked questions by people that need to know the linage of the yoga I teach and what was taught to me…Today, I am answering that for everyone. Hatha is based on the lineage of Sivananda…

What does Sivananda Yoga mean?

Sivananda yoga is a type of yoga that is based on the teachings of Swami Sivananda.

 This style of yoga has its roots in Hatha yoga and a strong focus on the health and physical well-being of the yogi.

 It involves regular periods of relaxation and yogic breathing techniques, or pranayama.

Yogapedia.com

As I teach and flow through the multiple programs that I make, I have the purpose of going deeper into every muscle, tendon, fascia, and joint within the body while at the same time only feeling a stretch and staying connected with our breath.

After various hip opening, back strengthening, abdominal toning, and joint moving practice we settle into our last pose of Savasana, the lovely relaxation that I then allow you to visualize with meditation, taking you on a journey of discovery, healing, and connection with yourself.

Incorporating Yin yoga throughout our flows or doing classes dedicated solely to Yin has been a pleasure for me to teach and witness as people become more balanced in every day of life.

I have been so grateful to those that have shared my practice when we have been on the road with my little sign out saying “yoga session” or “free yoga” they have joined in and enjoyed the flow in their lunch hours, of an evening or in the morning as they went for a jog.

I may not have taught in a studio or appointed class times over the last five years but my practice became one that allowed all ego to flow out the door.

Free to feel my heartbeat in my chest, the cool air as it entered my lungs, and the warmth of the exhalation as it left my body.

Over these years, I became present, became stronger, and became comfortable in the knowledge that no matter your version, no matter your training, no matter your asana level there will be those that always want what you haven’t got or don’t wish to give.

Years ago, I would bust myself to do what they asked, but now I simply say NO, and I am comfortable in the knowledge that they will accept or reject this answer but it will not change it.

This is what I was taught, this is the strength that I should have had all those years ago and this is what I would give as advice to those wanting to travel the teaching yogic path.

You can say NO, our rules are free-flowing, but the one AHIMSA, applies to our bodies, minds, and spirit as well… do yourself NO harm and feel the freedom of that energy and strength once you have done this.

I am heading back to teaching, just once a week at the local community center, I want to give people the chance to enjoy this lovely flow, enjoy the peace.

I am secure in the knowledge though that people aren’t going to flood through the door just to be in a session with me, however, I am happy in the knowledge that it is fine and the way life is and the universe shows us humility.

I just want the relaxing style I have now to pass through to people so they can enjoy it as well, whether that be 1 or 100, it doesn’t matter, what matters is the exchange of energies in our bodies, the peace and unity of our minds and the gentle relaxation at the end that sees us floating off to the rest of our day.

So although I was taught that the linage of my yoga practice is Sivananda I am going to say what my teacher suggested “Megen’s Yoga Lineage” to use her words.

The Indian lineage is Sivananda, But of cause Yoga can’t be contained to any style or lineage.

Carrie-Anne Fields