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A QUANTUM ADVANCED SEQUENCE
Infinity Trees is the vata-regulating Advanced Quantum Yoga sequence that emphasizes grounding, cultivates strength and provides physical and emotional steadiness. It takes its inspiration from the tree, the connector of heaven and earth, the giver of life and vitality. All spiritual traditions acknowledge the importance of the tree. In its powerful rootedness with branches soaring to the sky, the tree embodies the conditions cultivated in this vata-regulating sequence. Vata, the Ayurvedic dosha (body-mind constitution) elementally defined as air, is responsible for movement. 8 is the symbol for infinity, and Infinity Trees consists of eight tree vinyasas or compositions. Lara guides Karen, a yogini with vata-dominance in her Ayurvedic prakriti (nature), through the sequence, offering alternative simpler poses, whilst demonstrating the more challenging asana. Each of the eight compositions is initiated by a variation on Vrikshasana, the tree pose, balancing asana that require the lofty vata-type to connect with mother earth in a more affirmative way, and truly master the play with gravity. One’s longing for free flowing movement and play is satisfied, all the while sustaining the safety of a strong core, the energetic potency of a coherent central axis, as well as the integrity of muscular engagement and awareness right into the extremities, in order to consolidate the system as a whole. The sequence is completed by a visualization meditation that hones conscious manifestation within a sacred space. The DVD includes an introduction to the general principles of the Quantum Method, as well as an explanation of Ayurveda (Science of Life) and how an understanding of its basic principles supports the assessment of one’s ideal practice. Bandha exercises for core control and cleansing (kriya) are also included. All net profits from sales of the Infinity Trees DVD are donated to Rainforest Rescue -
A QUANTUM ADVANCED SEQUENCE
There is Beauty in imperfection. Having the strength to face your weaknesses is truly empowering. The fiery pitta-type tends to be goal-orientated and focus on result rather than process. In accordance with the Quantum method, which seeks to optimize practice taking into account one’s temperament and present tendencies, this indicates that the focus needs to be shifted towards the cultivation of smooth transitions and an even expenditure of energy. This supports one’s ability to be present in the moment. Keeping the respiration even to result in true vinyasa, where breath leads and movement follows, puts you in touch with your natural flow, instead of directing the stream of life’s events through volition only. Stilling and cooling postures are integrated into an otherwise ambitious mix of asana that with skill and dedication coalesce beautifully. The flavour of the Beauty sequence is one of openness, organic movement, playfulness and a lack of constriction. The practitioner is encouraged to recognize how a softer approach of releasing, rather than pushing, and allowing, rather than forcing, will result in a far more profound transformation. We explore ways of imbuing the practice with receptivity and also simply having more fun with it. It often comes as a surprise that as a result previously impossible asana can now be approached more fluidly and ultimately mastered. Lara guides Volker, a yogi with pitta-dominance in his Ayurvedic prakriti (nature), through the sequence, offering alternative simpler poses, whilst demonstrating the more difficult asana. The DVD includes an introduction to the general principles of the Quantum Method, as well as an explanation of Ayurveda (Science of Life) and how an understanding of its basic principles supports the assessment of one’s ideal practice. Bandha exercises for core control and cleansing (kriya) are also included. -
A QUANTUM ADVANCED SEQUENCE
This highly stimulating and invigorating sequence is designed to regulate kapha, the Ayurvedic dosha (body-mind constitution) elementally defined as earth and water. The image of the powerful salmon leaping in the air as it swims upstream, is the ultimate inspiration when one seeks to cultivate dynamic movement and the joy and exhilaration that come with it. According to Ayurveda, organic movement i.e. a strong metabolism is the key to health and vitality. Like salmon, a fish that migrates up to 6000 km to the ocean, only to return to its natal fresh water stream to spawn (the navigation of which still baffles scientists), kapha-types tend to have a strong, unwavering resolve and great stamina. The challenge is to get the ball rolling safely and sustain this high-frequency pace. Lara guides Judith, a yogini with kapha-tendencies in her Ayurvedic prakriti (nature), through the sequence, offering alternative simpler poses, whilst demonstrating the more challenging asana. By being acutely aware of the natural movement of the breath, the laws of physics and what that means for positioning to “defy” gravity, riding the momentum, maximizing prana (vital life force), and establishing a stream of consciousness, the yogi taps into sattva guna, the enlightening quality in all things. This differentiates yoga practice from conventional exercises routines, leading to a transformation that goes well beyond the physical. The DVD includes an introduction to the general principles of the Quantum Method, as well as an explanation of Ayurveda (Science of Life) and how an understanding of its basic principles supports the assessment of one’s ideal practice. Bandha exercises for core control and cleansing (kriya) are also included. -
Vata Regulating
The underlying theme for Birds is freedom and is designed to remind us that yoga is a return to our natural state of ease and that all spiritual practice is ultimately a process of elimination leading us to the real self. Through practising asanas and vinyasa, we see the body return to its true shape, the nadis free up to allow for a harmonious flow of prana resulting in a deep sense of wellbeing. A safe and inspirational space is cultivated in which the body can express itself without the obstacles of the mind. Birds supplies a steady rhythm that supports the dynamic flow of a balanced yoga practice, in harmony with the breath. The sounds on this CD are produced from materials that possess the healing vibrations of natural sound, combined with the practice of yoga to create a positive energetic field in which true healing can take place. This double-album CD includes a fully comprehensive sequence chart of photographs. It is practiced in stages: at first CD 1 gives verbal instruction and music, supported by the visuals of the chart. Then CD 2 contains the same music that prompts one’s memory; naturally the music can also be enjoyed in its own right. The final stage is to allow for variations and begin the act of true self-practice, inspired by the sequence of posture groupings listed at the back of the CD. -
Pitta Regulating
Yoga represents the methods and means that lead to a direct experience of the divine essence of reality. This sacred practice is approached with focus and discipline, referred to as tapas or spiritual fervour, whilst at the same time cultivating joy and encouraging playfulness. The body is purified through the heat generated from asana (postures) - vinyasa in conjunction with ujaii pranayama. The mind in turn is stilled and one’s general disposition becomes cool and clear. A hero is neither aggressive nor reluctant to act, but instead masters the skill of balancing force with yielding. This sequence incorporates many variations on the hero’s pose (Virasana) and is designed to smoothly strengthen every part of one’s being. Thus it creates a steady platform from which to embrace our true form, realise our creative potential and bravely express our wild and loving nature. The word mantra is derived from man-“mind” and -tra “to cross over” or “liberate”. On this double-album CD, these exalted phrases are repeatedly uttered in a musical way and the resulting vibration of healing sound, more even than their lyrical content, is said to carry transformative powers. A fully illustrated sequence chart is included. -
Kapha Regulating
Yoga increases prana – the life force that brings vitality, health and happiness to the individual. Often through a sedentary life-style, a lack of inspiration and consumption of unhealthy foods, a person feels heavy, toxic and depressed. This means that a dynamic asana practice that maximises the aspect of vinyasa and incorporates invigorating, cleansing and stimulating postures should be developed. A Mandala in its basic form is a circle, which represents the spiralling upward motion that is encouraged in this sequence and echoes the mystical rising of kundalini shakti. It also symbolises a cosmic diagram, based on the sacred geometry of the macrocosm as reflected in the microcosm of the human body. We use this sacred geometry in yoga to re-align the body in such a way that allows an even and balanced flow of energy. Thus in the Lotus-Mandala, the strength and stamina inherent in the human organism in particular and the universe as a whole is drawn upon to realign itself with its true sublime shape. The artists who have contributed the music for this album use technology not to undermine or compete with natural sound, but rather to compliment and highlight its supreme beauty. Ill. chart incl. All net revenue from sales of this double-album CD go to the Usha Yoga charity. www.ushayogafoundation.org
