Form based yoga (Iyengar, Mysore, Vinyasa, etc. ) is trying to modify consciousness by forcing the outer form of the body to conform to a predetermined type of position (asana) with the emphasis placed on correct alignment as determined by a consensus view of what an asana should look like if done properly.

Spacious Bliss Yoga focuses, instead, on determining proper alignment based on the best way to remain in blissful openness while deepening, to our own level, the pose, stretch or twist. We do this by going into the sources or areas of tension or tightness or restriction, not with the idea of forcing that joint or muscle to do this or that, but rather to simply let go of whatever is there that is causing the restriction. This work is mainly mental, but it is also physical in that there are definite feed-back loops that can be used for progress.

This same orientation, then, begins to be felt in the realm of the yogi’s family, professional and personal relationships. Rather than defensively building up new barriers in a dualistic, materialistic, I/Thou type of approach to others and the phenomena that arise, which then serve only to restrict the free flow of energy according to its natural path , yogis “let go” of the need to control. They let go of attachment to that restriction. They see this as simply a pattern taken by energy, without all the attachment to the meaning of it all. This is the way of Spacious Bliss Yoga, to open up the expansiveness and spaciousness of the Heart. Into that openness can then arise wisdom. Yogis can then act in the world in a way that is directed by wisdom and compassion, not trying to change anything or anyone, but instead, simply abiding in wisdom mind and compassionate heart.

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