Asana

Asana practice is designed to make the nervous system strong and healthy by lengthening, twisting, and bending the spine through various postures. The postures should be practiced without force but with awareness and curiosity. Since the nervous system governs other systems within the Body-mind, (e.g., the digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and immune systems); if it is healthy, than so are you.

When mindful breathing techniques are combined with the asana, it purifies the vessel by creating heat. This energy helps to eliminate the toxins in the body mind and direct and strengthen the flow of internal energy. In addition, asana practice is beneficial for spiritual and self development as it prepares the body to sit comfortably in meditation.

Sequences and Sequencing

We practice and teach intelligent flowing sequences that are established from Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and Vinyasa Krama, as well as sequences we have developed ourselves. Intelligent sequences are designed around the integration of three fundamental elements; strength, flexibility and balance.

In addition, the sequencing is thematic and addresses opening all major layers of the body. Key elements of a beneficial sequence include a flowing warm up, strong standing postures, forward bends, twists, backbends, arm balances, inversions and resting postures.

Developing Self Practice

Developing a self practice is important because it allows one to find his/her own rhythm and pacing. It means the student is committed to memorizing the sequence in order to take ownership and begin to trust the direct experience. It also encourages the student to listen and feel his/her own breathing, and synchronize it to the movement. Self practice promotes individual discovery. Please join us for a Guided Self Practice Class and discover the wondrous journey of embodiment.

Soloist

Some students will do fine practicing sequences designed by others for a long time and could be completely satisfied taking that approach. However, our experience is at some point a creative and spontaneous impulse arises for our own unique expression. This is how current sequences got developed in the first place. As we get to know our body intimately, our own natural flow begins to reveal itself. Coming from a deep and honest knowing of our body's strengths and weaknesses, we can create and experiment with alternative sequencing that better suits and supports our development. This is when we are entering the realm of solo artistry.

"RTB offers beautiful, life-changing yoga and meditation practices skillfully taught with abundant love by teachers who embody the practices."

— Kari Djuve

Asana Photos