Anusara (a-nu-sar-a), means “flowing with Grace,” “going with the flow,” “following your heart ” or "intuitive nature"
Founded by John Friend in 1997, Anusara Yoga is a powerful hatha yoga system that unifies a Tantric philosophy of intrinsic Goodness with Universal Principles of Alignment™, Anusara is a unique, therapeutic style of Hatha Yoga in which the artistic expression of the human heart blends magically with the scientific principles of bodily biomechanics, it is heart oriented, inspiring and yet grounded in alignment principles for for both inner and outer body.When we have an understanding of the outer shape for each posture, it becomes individual to our body and we feel the beauty of it from within, thus connecting to a deep source of contentment and state of 'being'. As we align and open to 'grace' we are able to unveil our supreme true nature on and off the mat.
Anusara Yoga has become one of the most highly respected hatha yoga systems in the world. As a professional yoga teacher, to hold the name ‘Anusara’ as the tradename that you associate with is of incredible value.
The Anusara Yoga teacher certification process is stringent and takes many years of training. There are a catagory of teachers that are given legal license to promote themselves as Anusara-Inspired Teacher™ by committing to regular study and practice of Anusara Yoga® and by aligning with Anusara Yoga ethical guidelines. Anusara-Inspired Teacher™ yoga teachers have studied Anusara Yoga for at least two years; have at least two years of teaching experience and at least 200 hours of training with a certified teacher. Due to the intensity of training required by Anusara to become Anusara-Inspired, you may expect a quality yoga class inspired by Anusara principles and ethics.™
Anusara Yoga® is organized with the Universal Principles of Alignment. These Principles both acknowledge the deep order of the Universe and inform the choices that we can make to enhance life’s unfolding. Using the Universal Principles of Alignment in the practice of asana, we optimize our physical alignment and pranic (life force) flow. This optimal alignment, then, as it attunes us to the deep order of Nature, expands our own consciousness. In every pose we can enhance our own experience the intrinsic goodness of Nature through knowing it in our Hearts. This knowing is an awakening. Each Principle offers a physical instruction to optimally align the body, as well as a virtue to embody to come more fully into our potential.
Open to Grace
The first Universal Principle of Alignment sets the intention of the practice. It acknowledges the desire to awaken and the understanding that we may do so through the support of Nature. Pause, soften and open to Grace and expansion in your life. Be wide open like the sky.
Muscle Energy
The second Principle organizes and steadies the body, stabilizing the wild periphery of the body to move into the stillness and power of the core. Embrace your intrinsic goodness. Be steadfast like the earth.
Inner Spiral
The third Principle optimizes the alignment of the pelvis and lower back giving a depth to forward bends and a softness to backbends. Be fluid and yielding like water.
Outer Spiral
The fourth Principle empowers the pose from deep in the core. It balances the widening action of Inner Spiral for strength and poise. Rise and aspire like fire.
Organic Energy
The fifth Principle extends the radiant power of the core, aligned through the first four Principles, through the rest of the pose in the culmination of its expression. This expression is the result of the intention of the first Principle – Opening to Grace to align with the Universal. Shine – extend freely like air.
In aligning the Heart, mind and body with the Universal Principles of Alignment, we channel our freedom into the choice to enhance the joy of life within ourselves. When the flow of Nature is optimized, the experience of our own consciousness and delight unfolds. In Anusara Yoga, the practice of asana, through attuning the body and mind is a gateway to the Heart.