SIYoga is practiced in such a way that we ARE NOT setting
ourselves up for injury.

 SIY yoga class                                                     Typical yoga class
 

Using muscles wisely and only as needed                          Strong contraction of muscles

Feeling light due to using bones for support                     Feeling heavy due to strong use of muscles

Letting the breath arise as it pleases                                   Breath dominates the movements

Moving mostly on the exhale                                               Moving mostly on the inhale

Focus on YOUR body + joints                                                Focus on ‘proper’ alignment, at all costs                

Emphasizes internal space and support so                        Emphasizes stretching muscles  
you are not pulling on the muscles        

          

Relationship explorations leads to the pose                      Pose comes first, body may not be able
                                                                                                     to relate

Inner sensations                                                                     Outer appearance

Honors the body and its wisdom                                         Pushes the pose into the body

Intent - Nervous System Resilience                                     Intent - Cardiovascular Fitness

The main intention of traditional yoga asana is to open the body and create inner space and ease (in preparation for sitting meditation). It's not meant to just stretch muscles or be another ‘workout’. Muscles and fascia are lengthened with yoga practice, but the goal of SIYoga is not stretching. It is getting to know yourself and how you move. As the body finds more comfort and safety, the muscles relax and can work more efficiently and effectively. Remember, tension and effort are NOT strength. If you want to train for strength, a better way would be strength training protocols. Otherwise, it is best to keep our joints safe and sound by not asking them to do excessive things while they are in their end ranges of motion – as they often are during yoga poses. This is what leads to injury.

The body will evolve and change and release when it feels safe. What make our bodies feel safe? The feeling of being supported. A hug, a hand on our shoulder, our bones – all offer a sense of support. How do our bones support us? By trusting them TO support us and relying on them to be there for us.  We take the struggle out of our movements by not asking the joints to go thru a range of motion without support from the bones they are attached to. Make your skeleton your friend. Like a good friend it will be there for you at all times - because it's always with you!