Posted on April 20th, 2011

John Friend, founder of Anusara Yoga, shares his insights and thoughts on being heart-centred, the importance of play, alignment tips and letting our poses shine.

1. Anusara Yoga is known to be very heart centered. Can you explain why that’s important?

The other side of the spectrum of heart oriented is physically oriented. A practice that is only physically oriented is individually and egotistically motivated, which does not serve the community or the world.

 A here-oriented practice connects us to the highest purposes of the practices – which are awakening to our Divine essence, which is part of a whole tapestry of Supreme Consciousness that is rocking with Creative Delight. This is the highest definition of yoga itself.

The other side of the spectrum a physically oriented practice .This type of practice is individually and egotistically motivated, which does not serve the community or the world. Instead of working on building muscle, heart-oriented practice focuses on building love, compassion, and artistry that uplifts humanity. Heart-oriented is directed to enhancing the quality of life, while physical practice is directed to enhancing the outer quantity of life. This is why Anusara yoga is a heart-centered practice.

2. Can you talk about the importance of play?

Since the very essence of Supreme Consciousness is Unbounded Delight, then ultimately all creative expression is an unconditional play of consciousness. Therefore, it is the very nature of everyone to want to play, to be happy, to have fun. So, playing is one of the highest expressions of life. It is a pure expression of being that in unconditioned and a movement of energy that does not wish for anything in return.

3. You talk about letting our poses shine with our spirits. Can you elaborate on that a bit?

Every pose is ultimately an artistic expression that arises from inside at the very source of Spirit itself. One of the attributes of Consciousness is that it is luminous, and so it is able to shine which gives the ability to be self reflective in its awareness, affording the power of self-knowing and self-realization. So, to express the poses in a radiant way is a reflection of our intention and our skillful alignment with Spirit.

4. Is there a general tip regarding alignment you consider to be the most important?

The most important factor in alignment is putting it in the context of the higher purpose of the practice. The intention of the alignment is to co-create with the Shakti in order to expand the light of Consciousness, in order to know one’s interconnectedness with all of life, and in order to directly experience the very core of one’s Heart. Alignment is not just about making things orderly, and it is not about achieving a prescribed outer form just for thesake of accomplishing said prescribed form. The most important thing about alignment is its underlying intention.

5. If you could tell a group of 1000 students just one thing, what would it be?

Life is a blessing. Each person has a unique gift to offer back into this co-creative Dance with the Divine that is life.

About Lindsey Lewis I'm a certified Kundalini, Hatha and Yin yoga teacher, whole health lover, plus a bazilion other things, and lucky to be part of the team behind the scenes at My Yoga Online. Connect with me on my profile on My Yoga Online, on Twitter @lindsey_lewis, or Facebook.

Tags: Yoga, Anusara, asanas, john friend, universal alignment, anusara yoga, anusara john friend, yoga philosophy, anusara philosophy

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