A flowing yoga practice, synchronising breath and movement (or vinyasa) is generally regarded as the most effective style of yoga to boost health and fitness, engage life-force (prana, or breath) and stabilise emotions. So says Quantum Yoga founder, Lara Baumann.
Developing an individual practice
Quantum Yoga – a new style developed by London-based yoga teacher Lara Bauman – aims to harness these benefits at the same time as equipping students with the skill to spontaneously construct their own dynamic sequences.
To help the student to individualise their practice, a system of grouping and sequencing postures has been developed. The student’s physical, mental and emotional needs are catered for, as well as the time and space available.
Assessing what kind of yoga practice is suitable for us on the day can be a tricky affair. Often we feel least like doing the very thing that would be good for us. The idea of doing a vigorous practice might not appeal, yet would be beneficial.
At other times, we might feel like launching into a more dynamic practice. At these times, Quantum Yoga learns how to manage their energy more evenly, harnessing this life force and directing it towards a more meditative practice and an enlightened mind.
With this in mind, assessment tools have been developed that draw strongly on the medical and healing branch Ayurveda and its science of the three doshas (or biological moods/tendencies).
The origins of Quantum Yoga
Quantum Yoga derives its name from the many links between the ancient wisdom of yoga and modern science.
Quantum physics dictates that it is impossible to make a clear division between particles and waves, energy and matter. To the yogi – whose experiences in the body go beyond the physical – this comes as no surprise.
In yoga we come to realise that the deeper one’s consciousness spreads in the body, the faster it changes. Hence, Quantum Yoga encourages the practitioner to cultivate true awareness – to pay attention to what is really going on.
This puts the responsibility firmly in the hands of the individual – an unusual and scary thing in a society where most people are used to seeking outer forms of support as soon as something goes wrong.
Tools to reconnect
Quantum Yoga offers the individual the tools that will allow one to re-claim this power, re-connect with the true guru - the inner voice that best knows how to self-heal.
Naturally, the process of understanding and developing the skill to apply the basic Quantum Yoga Principles, as well as the expansion and exploration of one’s alphabet of asana (postures), takes time and practice.
Meanwhile, the student is advised to practice the three key (tri-doshic) Quantum sequences (in regular succession, unless there is a major dosha imbalance), moving at their own pace from basic to advanced level.
The CD set
Lara has developed a set of three double-album audio CDs of Quantum Yoga and Healing sounds, together with a booklet outlining the principles. An integral part of Quantum Yoga is the emphasis on encouraging students to listen deeply.
In the urban environment many of us live in, we are bereft of the healing properties of natural sound. In the first album, “Birds”, Lara has worked with Antonio Testa, an experienced musician and healer, who draws sound from the elements of nature, as well as recording shamanic ritual and other ancient spiritual practices.
These elemental sounds also serve as instinctive aids in memorising the Birds sequence, which was designed to cultivate the grace of our air-bourne friends, while providing a platform of core strength and grounding.
To buy the Birds CD set, click on the link below.
Quantum Yoga was developed by Lara Baumann, who grew up in India and began practicing yoga at an early age. She has studied with BKS Iyengar in Pune and Sri K Patthabi Jois in Mysore; her main teachers are Clive Sheridan and Danny Paradise. Lara is based in London, and teaches internationally
www.larayoga.com
