Intelligent Sequencing
For me, the essence of yoga lies in the meticulous arrangement of postures, aligning body and mind in a harmonious blend of steadiness (sthira) and comfort (sukha). Krishnamacharya coined this approach as vinyasa krama, emphasizing the thoughtful progression of poses to cultivate a balanced yoga practice.
In vinyasa-style classes, sequencing not only adds uniqueness and artistry but also ensures the safety of the body while maintaining the flow and mindful connection to the breath. Every pose serves a purpose, contributing to the intelligent opening of the body and the holistic experience of the practice.
Although there are several methods for structuring a yoga class, such as incorporating a specific theme or targeting particular body areas, intelligent sequencing is when the sequence moves around a peak posture / apex pose. This choice in structure necessitates careful and deliberate planning. Not to mention practice + study.
Today's seasoned yoga instructors refer to this as the “art of intelligent sequencing”, a process that demands both expertise and creativity. Personally, I find sequencing to be the most exhilarating aspect of crafting a yoga class. It's akin to assembling a puzzle, where each piece contributes to a beautiful, well-rounded whole.
An example of this would be if we were to pick a pose such as ‘Flying Pigeon’ or ‘Eka Pada Galavasana’; we examine it.
What parts of the body need to open for this pose to be accessible to my class?
EXAMPLE ANSWER: Hips, hamstrings, spine elongation, balance.
What poses open those areas?
How can I sequence these poses to make sense, not only in flow, but in the body?
What poses are needed for the cool down?
Why? - Why am I choosing these poses?
We start and grow from here. eg. If I know pigeon is going to be a pose I definitely want to include, will it come before or after the apex? Why? The real answer is you can do either, but the why of your choice is something you want to reach to understand. The more you understand why, the more you teach … not just give commands and cues.
Now; beyond comprehending the rationale behind every pose woven into the sequence, it's equally vital to grasp the mechanics of adapting postures to suit each individual. While we can hope our class is all ready to take on flying pigeon no holds barred, what happens if someone can’t reach the floor with their hands? By offering variations, adjusting contact points, or modifying the base of a pose, we as instructors can cater to the diverse needs of the students and keep everyone working towards the same goal. Our level three student can fully express the posture, while our level one student can feel the pose and understand what their body needs before they find that full expression.
This thoughtful approach ensures that every practitioner, regardless of their level or ability, can fully experience the intended benefits of the meticulously + carefully crafted sequence, fostering an inclusive class experience.
Sequencing with intelligence, IMO, is paramount to being a good instructor. Once you master this practice of vinyasa krama, the way you teach will never be the same!
If you’d like to learn more, please email me to speak about private lessons or YACEP credits on intelligent sequencing.
March 25th - 29th
Class Name: Tulip Smile
Featuring lots of hamstring and hip love! This class we will be working towards a special peak pose that you didn’t see coming! 🧘🏻♀️📿✨