Without proper


technique, students can compromise their knees, lower backs and necks, Corn counsels. She ex- plains that while Iyengar is quite a methodical and precise style for teaching fundamentals, styles like Kripalu, characterized as “meditation in motion,” can be more forgiving. Once people begin to practice, physical and life changes may lead to the exploration of other styles. This is true for Corn, who has studied many traditions over the years. “When I was younger, I wouldn’t have considered an Iyengar or a Kripalu class,” she re- calls. “It was only Ashtanga or Vinyasa. Now that I’m in my 40s—or even back in my 30s—I’ve wanted a deeper practice that has more space and more areas of stillness and connection, which seems to match my growth as a person.”


For those who are grounded in yoga fundamentals and want a home practice, Corn recommends setting aside 30 minutes to an hour at least three days a week. “If you have a half- hour, I would recommend 10 minutes of sun salutes, 10 minutes of standing poses and 10 minutes of backbends, forward bends and a resting pose.” Turn off phones and other distrac- tions, she advises, and focus. The more sacred, intentional and meaningful a


home practice is, the more likely one is to regard it as more than an exercise rou- tine. “I set up an altar with things that are important to me,” remarks Corn. “When I put my palms together, I’ll set an intention and ask Spirit that the practice be a reflection of my devotion, a dedication to something greater than myself.” At 43, Corn credits her yoga practice and diet (avoiding meat, fish, dairy, sugar, alcohol, caffeine and chemical additives) with maintaining her good health. “My bones are strong, my muscles and joints are quite supple, and my hormonal system is in really good shape,” she reports. “I don’t have PMS or other [premenopausal] symptoms and my skin looks good and clear. More importantly, I’m just very comfortable in my body and confident on my feet.” As with any physical


undertaking, anyone with a pre-exist- ing injury or medical condition should consult a doctor before beginning a yoga practice. Corn advises students to, “Find a teacher who can meet you where you are.” Once on the mat, she says, explore what feels right and allow your practice to evolve as you do.


Kim Childs is a Kripalu yoga teacher in the Boston area. Connect at Kim- Childs.com.


Multiple Teachers and Styles Equal Multiple Benefits


by Linda Sechrist T


o the newcomer, yoga often ap- pears to focus only on postures (asanas), muscle tone and flex- ibility. As a discipline, however, its complexity involves far more: breath (pranayama), various phases of medi- tation, ethics and philosophy. To the seasoned student, yoga is an experi- ence and expression of who we are, in all facets of our being. Studying asanas with one teacher and pranayama with another allows us to deepen and evolve our practice.


Here, local yogis share insights they have gleaned by studying with multiple masters, including some of the “Titans of Yoga.”


Francesca Vanegas, founder of The Florida Yoga Institute, has studied with Yoganand, Stephen Cope, Ana Forrest, Hyon Gak Sunim, Dharma Mit- tra and the teacher within. Her reper- toire of styles includes Kripalu, Forrest, Iyengar and Kundalini. She teaches and practices classical yoga, faithful to the philosophy of yoga’s first scholar, Patanjali, who emphasized 2,000 years ago that meditation is the heart of the discipline. Classical yoga encompasses ethics, asanas, pranayama and the four phases of meditation. Ninety percent of the Institute’s classes offer meditation, even if it’s only five minutes.


Vanegas’ insight: It’s not necessary to bow before renowned teachers or gurus. “The guru,” she emphasizes, “is already inside you.”


42 Collier/Lee Counties swfl.naturalawakeningsmag.com


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