Review: Quantum Yoga, Lara Baumann

There's a vast cannon of yoga-related literature and texts out there - so much so, that the student or teacher can easily feel bewildered (though inspired) at the breadth and range of books waiting to be poured over.

Despite this, it can be challenge to find an accessible, heavy-weight book that brings together a range of yoga traditions and throws fresh, contemporary light on this ancient practice.

Lara Baumann's Quantum Yoga is one such find.

Fresh approach, ancient method
In her introduction, Baumann, who owns her own studio in West London, writes that Quantum Yoga is not a new style, but a new approach, to practising yoga.

The style draws from a range of traditions, notably ashtanga vinyasa (her teachers have included the late Pattabhi Jois), iyengar and shadow - and, in her own words, 'is an attempt to bring together the various styles and philosophies' she has studied over the years.

The word Quantum has been chosen, the author explains, to reflect the illusion of the concept of a 'fixed state'.

'Instead, she writes, 'what we are actually dealing with is a field of infinite possibilities, which is in a constant state of flux. The reality we perceive is what our bran has come to assume is there. Our experience is merely a result of conditioning.'

The Quantum style is also, Baumann hints rather refreshingly, a mild rebellion against the kind of teaching that 'perpetuates the belief that one must adhere to fixed sequences, because "that is the system".

She says: 'My aim was to create a harmonious flow that would leave the body strong, the mind still, the emotions, steady, and the heart open and joyful'.

But Baumann's initially freestyle approach to her practice was not, she writes, structured enough to carry lasting weight: 'I found that a framework actually stimulates, rather than restricts, creativity and leaves room for spontaneous variation and intuitive response.'

So that the individual's 'unique requirements' can be honoured, Quantum Yoga offers three main sequences, practised according to the ayurvedic dosha type of the individual student; the idea being for the yoga to harmonise that particular dosha.

These three sequences are: vata-regulating Birds; pitta-regulating Heroes; and Kapha-regulating Lotus Mandala. All three cover sublimation (warm ups), a dynamic flow sequence, standing poses, floor work, backbends, inversions.

One of the joys of this book is its easy-to-navigate lay-out; a reflection, I would say, of the methodology behind each sequence. So, the chapter on floor work is illustrated with a doube-page spread of mini images comprising a floor work sequence. The same goes for abdominal poses, backbends and so on.

Within these three dosh-based sequences, modifications and changes are encouraged according to the wishes and needs of the practitioner, as well as external factors such as the time of day or temperature. This is almost the opposite of a one-size-fits-all approach to yoga.

The yoga heritage
The first chunk of the book is devoted to sections on the yoga tradition, ayurveda, anatomy, key scriptures and current streams of hatha yoga, while major sections at the back cover meditation, pranayama, mudras, and specialist practises (such as restorative and pregnancy).

As such, Baumann's approach is thoroughly inclusive, and always taken with a respectful eye to centuries of different yoga traditions: even if the reader has no prior interest in, or knowledge of, Quantum Yoga, this is a useful book for students of all yoga backgrounds to cherish.

If I have a criticism, it is that there could have been more liberal use of photography, or illustrations breaking up some of the text-heavy pages. However, the existing photography is informative, striking, and at times stunning, adding texture and light to the full 240 pages.

Baumann writes well, and encourages a realistic, common-sense approach to yoga: answering the question of when to practice, she writes, 'as with most things, it is much more advisable to do a little bit daily than to go for the occasional full-on yoga workout.

Yoga is a spiritual hygiene and thus should become as natural to you as brushing your teeth.'

Slick DVD

The slickly produced accompanying DVD is as informative as the book - Lara gives a short, interesting introduction, explaining the background to Quantum yoga. There follows the three main sequences, with Lara teaching the relevant sequence to a single student of each dosha type.

I watched the Kapha-driven Lotus Mandala sequence first, and was amazed at the strength and agility required: this is unequivocally a strong practice, with plenty of arm balances and unsupported handstands.

Lara is a clear, watchable presenter, and it is a pleasure to watch her go through the asanas with such grace, strength and control. Importantly, however, she retains a sense of humour, and her human touch adds to the pleasure of the DVD.

Underlying theme

Also ever-present is the underlying theme of the true nature of a yoga practice. What is this, she asks, 'if not one that awakens our capacity to hear the inner voice of wisdom?

'For yoga to be a transformative practice it must take into account personal, physical, emotional and spiritual challenges... yoga is thus a shedding of sheaths, a process of purification, and an embracing of one's true nature.'

The Quantum sequences are dynamic by nature; this is not a beginner's practice, though the book's clear illustrations and well produced accompanying DVD form a comprehensive starting point for anyone seeking a personal, spontaneous and intelligent approach to practising yoga.

Quantum Yoga is published by Mandala Publishing, priced $29.95

www.larayoga.com

Review by Lucia Cockcroft