Yoga is an ancient practice traced back from northern India over 5,000 years ago where it was practiced as a spiritual discipline. This sacred "science of the mind" focuses on breathing, flexibility, & strengthening the mind to boost the well-being of those practicing. The word yoga was first mentioned in sacred texts called the Rig Veda, the earliest amongst the four Vedas written. Yoga was developed and refined by sages, also known as Rishis, who documented their practices  and beliefs.

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Regardless of being amongst the six schools of philosophy in Hinduism, also being a major part of Buddhism, yoga is not a religious doctrine. This tool reminds us to integrate all that is presented to us. The word "yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit word "yuj", meaning to unite or yoke together. The practice was developed as a means of achieving spiritual enlightenment and liberation from suffering.  

 

In the western side of the world, a lot of people view the asana (physical posture) part of yoga as it's entirety. When traditionally, the asana is only one small aspect of the tradition of yoga. The traditional foundation of yoga can be learned by studying the Yoga Sutras and exploring the "Eight Limbs of Yoga", a path that offers a guide to individuals who are wanting to create a union between body, mind & spirit. 

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Over centuries, many different styles of yoga have developed. Gentle yoga is a form of yoga that emphasizes slow, mindful, movements, and breathwork. The practice has its roots in Hatha Yoga, which originated in India and was developed as a means to preparing the body and mind for meditation and spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of breath control and physical posture. 

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Gentle yoga became popular in the 1980s and 90s, as yoga gained mainstream popularity in the west. Teachers such as B.K.S. Iyengar and T.K.V. Desikachar developed a style of yoga that focused on alignment and the use of props to help students ease into postures safely and comfortably. 

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Resources to dive deeper into the foundation of yoga: 

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali- Translation & Commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda

The Heart of Yoga: Developing A Personal Practice by T. K. V. Desikachar

Light on Yoga by B. K. S Iyengar 

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Intuitive Movement & Dance

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"With every step, a story is told,

A tale of emotions, new & old. 

A language beyond words, it speaks, 

A power to heal, to move, to seek."

~Vivianne Velazquez~

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Intuitive movement, on the other hand, is a relatively new concept that has gained popularity in recent years. But I'd like to believe that our ancestors were already intuitively moving. The practice emphasizes the importance of listening to your body and moving in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. Intuitive movement is a not tied to any specific tradition or technique, and it can take many forms, from dance to stretching to simply walking in nature. 

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By listening to and following your body's natural movements and impulses, you can become more aware of how your body feels and what it needs. This increased body awareness can be a form of a  mindfulness practice, helping reduce stress and anxiety by promoting a sense of presence. It can also lead to improved posture, coordination and balance. 

 

By allowing your body to move in a way that feel true to you, intuitive movement can help you connect with and express your emotions, thoughts and feelings. This can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth. Gaining a greater sense of embodiment. 

 

Intuitive movement has opened new doors for dancing. In the 1960s and 70s, the practice of ecstatic dance gained popularity as a means of exploring movement and expression in a non-judgmental environment. If you're thinking, "I'm not a dancer" or "I'll feel awkward", I'm here to tell you a special talent is not needed to move. I have been dancing for a little over a decade, I still stumble and ride the ebb and flow of dancing with grace to rolling around on the floor and surrendering to the goofiness. I've had many opportunities for self-realizations out on the dance floor & I'd love for you to explore even if you're slightly curious. 

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Resources:

Ecstatic Dance: A free-form movement practice that encourages individuals to move in a way that feels authentic and intuitive. If you are in the Champaign-Urbana area & you want to connect with

a Ecstatic Dance community, I invite you to come out and dance at our monthly Ecstatic Dances!

Visit our homepage on Facebook here to stay updated on future dances! 

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If this sparks interest but you'd rather dance in a smaller group or 1:1,

book your Intuitive Movement session today!