This week, I tried out an Iyengar Yoga session for you. For this new experience, I went to the Yog'art workshop in Cap d'Ail.
MY FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Sandrine, the owner, gave me a warm welcome. She suggested I take off my watch (probably so I could completely disconnect) and I settled onto a mat with a cushion and a blanket. For a few seconds, I admit I considered a little nap. But no! First and foremost, I wanted to discover this new form of yoga!
I have previously had several experiences with yoga classes. I tried different postures then, but, it must be admitted, without much passion.
My first surprise in this Iyengar yoga class was the use of props. The session begins with you seated on a cushion and blanket, slightly elevated. This actually makes it easier to access the different postures.
But before going any further, a brief digression on the history and principles of Iyengar yoga.
A HISTORICAL ASPECT ON THIS PRACTICE OF YOGA
This is a synthetic form of yoga created by the master B.K.S. Iyengar, who was born in India into a family of 13 children. Of a fragile nature and often ill, his brother-in-law decided to introduce him to yoga to overcome his health problems. After many years of practice, Master B.K.S. Iyengar eventually created a method adapted to the needs of modern man.
Iyengar yoga is based on the practice of yoga postures (asanas) and yogic breathing (pranayama). All of this is done with a focus on rigor, intensity, alignment, and precision. The use of props (and there are a few!) facilitates this practice.
After this brief digression, let's return to the session.
THE COURSE OF AN IYENGAR YOGA SESSION
The first poses aren't very complicated. Sandrine's detailed explanations encourage us to perform them as well as possible. She guides us with precise words on exactly how to position ourselves. If we encounter difficulties, which was certainly the case for me as I'm not used to these exercises, small cork blocks help or relieve pressure to perform them correctly (as I said, there are several accessories...).
All this work is done in a supportive atmosphere. There's no competition within the group, no pressure to perform at a "perfect" level. The goal is truly for everyone to feel as comfortable as possible with their effort.
Next, Sandrine tackles a fundamental posture. She breaks it down into several steps so that we can grasp all the details: perfect for trying to reproduce it as best as possible!
MY SENSATIONS
What I particularly appreciate are the words our teacher uses to describe precisely how to move and how to connect our joints to each other.
For example, we lie down with our legs vertical, using a strap under our feet (I told you so… Just another instrument!). Sandrine asks us to "pull" our femur into our hip.
This image encourages us to truly focus on the inside of our bodies. That's where I began to experience sensations similar to those of meditation.
In reality, the mind focuses intensely on the body. We become aware of its importance. We realize how we could use this ability on a daily basis to improve our well-being.
At the end of the session, I felt a real physical and mental benefit.
Even though I'm not necessarily a fan of other types of yoga, I'm just waiting for one thing: to do it again.
And that's perfect, Sandrine regularly organizes weekend workshops: an opportunity to progress quickly.
Iyengar yoga is a wonderful discovery. You absolutely must try it!
If you live near Cap d'Ail, go to Sandrine Vimes' Art'yoga workshop
For more information on this practice, visit the website of the French Iyengar Yoga Association.
