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 Praana
Yoga is by nature, a dynamic style of yoga. It is an
unbeatable form of exercise combining fitness training
with stress release in a single dynamic workout. Its
scientifically-devised sequence of postures brings one
to the peak of one's physical and mental powers. The
flowing sequences are carried out in conjunction with
dynamic breathing, creating a deep heat in the body,
which enables you to build up strength, flexibility,
stamina, concentration and alertness. One is then left
in a state of vibrant relaxation. Externally, this is
in the form of a flow between individual yogic postures,
and between postures, breathing and meditation. Internally,
it is in the profound, precise and continual activity
of the body within the stimulus of these yogic postures.
It is these dynamic qualities that make Praana Yoga
meditation in action.
Praana Yoga has something for everyone. It is not only
for those who are physically fit or spiritually inclined.
Its effects are so varied, comprehensive and far reaching
that it would be hard to find someone for whom it could
offer nothing.
 Praana
Yoga: meditation in action!
Superficially, it is a superlative form of exercise.
Unlike most other forms of exercise, Praana Yoga offers
the full range of fitness benefits. It not only develops
flexibility but also strength, stamina and vitality.
The gentle stretching action involved in each yoga posture
promotes a gradual safe increase in the flexibility
of the whole body. There are hundreds of yoga postures
that between them develop flexibility in every single
muscle.
Praana Yoga promotes both cardiovascular and muscular
stamina. Cardiovascular stamina is developed through
the continuity of action; muscular stamina through sustaining
the action of the muscles while holding the postures.
Due to the continuous movement and flow of postures
enacted the heart rate will go up and hence, finishing
inversions and sitting poses are used at the end of
the practice, to slow down the heart beat to its normal
pace. Both muscular power and stamina are developed
through the dynamic connectivity of the practice. The
lengthening as opposed to contracting action of the
muscles however means that deep strength is developed
with much less muscle bulking. Hence, the body becomes
toned without necessarily becoming larger.
 Praana
Yoga: a means of relaxation
Praana Yoga is a practical method for untapping our
hidden and latent potential; it brings about a state
of profound relaxation. At the end of each asana-practice
session, the centredness and deep relaxation that is
felt, due to the combination of the deep asanas and
breathing techniques, infuses the practitioner with
energy and life. In this relaxed state, different aspects
of our being are integrated and accessible. The profound
state of relaxation emerges once we are completely free
from any residual tension. This tension is so deeply
embedded that we are often unaware of its existence.
Though it hinders us, we may not know that because we
never were, or cannot remember being without this tension.
Praana Yoga totally opens one's body and frees one's
breath. So Praana Yoga is not a matter of simply relieving
us from tensions that disturb us; it can release us
completely from all patterns of staticness and stagnation
down to the deepest, unconscious level of our being.
 Praana
Yoga: playing with the edge
At the point of balance between too much and not enough,
is our edge. Physically this means utilising the full
capacities of our bodies in this moment. It means neither
going too far, nor not going far enough. The edge is
an exhilarating place, but it can be scary. We all know
what it feels like to stand at the edge of a cliff.
In yoga it is here at the edge of the cliff that the
fertility lies. Through the practice of Praana Yoga
we learn to find the edge of ourselves, the edge of
a pose, by focusing on each breath, moment to moment.
Having found our physical and mental limitations in
a moment, we hold, we stay and we allow ourselves to
become still, receptive at the edge of a pose. Then
we find that the edge moves. We do not have to make
it do so, it just does. By reaching our current edge,
by utilising our current capacity to the full, the edge
moves and our capacity spontaneously increases. This
is how we grow. This is how our ability and capability
matures. In this manner, Praana Yoga enhances our life:
allowing that which was potential to mature and that
which has peaked to pass.
 The
author, Deepika Mehta, has dedicated her life to the
practice of yoga. Although she has studied widely with
many teachers of many styles (including teacher's trainings
from world renowned institutes like Sivananda Yoga Ashram,
Vivekananda Yoga Kendra and has also studied with 89
year old, world reknowned teacher of Ashtanga Yoga,
Sri K Pattabhi Jois) she has always found her most important
guidance on her own yoga mat. She has also studied various
styles of movement, being a trained jazz-ballet dancer,
a certified American Council on Exercise (ACE) and REEBOK
fitness trainer and a certified Pilate's trainer from
Stott Institute in Canada.
She has devised her own style of teaching yoga, fusing
various styles and the best of the elements of the east
and west, called Praana Yoga, The Yoga of Life-Energy.
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