Postures

What is Shakti Yoga – A Complete Guide

“Shakti yoga is an energetic, feminine form of yoga that incorporates aspects of dance, mudra (hand gestures), and mantra (chanting) to create a powerful flow of energy. This practice is based on the philosophy that the Divine feminine energy—shakti—is the driving force behind all creation. Utilizing the energy of Shakti yoga, you may energize yourself and bring about great change in your life. This article will explain what shakti yoga is and how to get started with it right now.”

The Origins of Shakti Yoga

This can be traced back to ancient India’s Vedic and Tantric traditions. The Vedas are a collection of ancient and sacred texts that form the basis of Hinduism, and the Tantras are a body of teachings that focus on ritual and worship practices. Both traditions emphasize the importance of Shakti, the divine feminine energy, in the universe.

However, who started the modern version of this concept is unknown; thus, Shakti yoga doesn’t have a fixed set of rules like other yoga forms. The only ideology is that just like Goddess Shakti, whose power flows through all the things in the universe, this yoga also focuses on the flow. The practitioners of this form of yoga believe that instead of reaching out for power in this world, one must harness the power within.

How to Practice Shakti Yoga?

The practice of Shakti yoga can look different for everyone because there is no one right way to do it. However, some common themes run through all Shakti yoga practices. These include:

Connecting With the Elements

Shakti yoga emphasizes connecting with the natural world and the features that make up our universe. This is possible through the combination of meditation, breathwork, and visualization.

Working With the Chakras

The body’s energy centers, known as chakras, are thought to control several facets of our lives. Shakti yoga focuses on balancing the chakras to create a more harmonious life.

Practicing Mantra and Mudra

Mantra is the repetition of sacred sounds or words, and mudra is the use of hand gestures. These two things are often used together in Shakti yoga practices to help focus the mind and channel energy.

Common Yoga Poses Practiced in Shakti Yoga

Several asanas can be used in Shakti yoga practices. However, all of these combine to form the sun salutation flow. Shakti yoga primarily believes in Surya Namaskar as it is a complete body workout. Here are the poses used in a sun salutation:

Step 1: Pranaam Asana: Stand with your feet and hands folded in a namaste in front of your chest. This position is also known as the prayer pose. Inhale in this step.

Step 2: Hasta Uttanasana: From the prayer pose, raise your arms and lengthen your spine. Then, bend backward as much as possible and exhale.

Step 3: Paad Hastha Asana: From the previous pose, bend forward from your hips and place your palms on the ground, if possible, right next to your feet. Inhale in this step.

Step 4: Ashwa Sanchalanasana: Next, extend your right leg back and left leg forward into a low lunge position. Exhale as you place your right knee on the floor.

Step 5: Parvatasana: Release your left leg backward and place your palms flat on the ground. In order to create an upside-down “V,” raise your pelvis into the air. The mountain posture is another name for this. This stage involves taking a deep breath.

Step 6: Bhujangasana: Next, the Cobra pose is performed by lying down on the stomach and placing your palms flat on the ground beside your shoulders. Raise your head and stomach off the ground while inhaling deeply.

Step 7: Ashtanga Namaskar: From the mountain pose, lower your body down to the ground and exhale. Touch the earth with your knees, chest, and forehead. This posture is sometimes also known as the caterpillar pose or the eight-limbed position.

Now that you are halfway through the cycle, you must repeat the same 6 steps in backward order. This means you need to follow the sequence of bhujangasana, parvatasana, ashwa sanchalan asana, paad hastha asana, hasta uttanasana, and pranam asana.

Different Types of Shakti Yoga

There are many different types of Shakti yoga; however, there are two most popular ones. These are:

Shakti Power Flow

It’s a Vinyasa flow variant that incorporates elements from power yoga. The flow between the two poses is like a dance move. Mantras are chanted to maintain the continuous flow of movements.

Shakti Dance Yoga

The lesson plans include dance-like poses and methods to help the pupils move naturally, in spiral and wave-like motions. This allows them to relate to the inner Shakti energy and enhance their creativity. This kind of practice includes a lot of music.

What are the Benefits of Shakti Yoga?

Here are some fantastic benefits of practicing Shakti yoga:

Decrease Anxiety

Shakti yoga is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Combining physical activity, breathing techniques, and mantra chanting helps calm the mind and relax the body.

Improves Flexibility and Strength

The continuous flowing movements in Shakti yoga help to improve flexibility and muscle strength. The poses also improve your coordination and balance.

Boosts Energy Levels

Shakti yoga is a therapeutic practice that can help to boost your energy levels. Deep breathing and exercise both boost the amount of oxygen getting to the brain, which helps with mental clarity and attention.

Detoxifies the Body

By enhancing circulation and activating the lymphatic system, shakti yoga aids in the body’s detoxification process. The poses also aid in organ purification and toxin removal.

Increases Sleep Quality

Additionally, shakti yoga can enhance the quality of your sleep. A longer night’s rest is facilitated by positions and breathing deeply, which also assists in calming the body and mind.

Increases Self-Awareness

It helps increase self-awareness by quieting the mind and focusing on breathing. The practice can also help you to connect with your inner thoughts and feelings.

Conclusion

There is a Shakti in all of us; all you need to do is practice Shakti yoga to unleash it. Enhance your inner strength and enjoy the many benefits that yoga has to offer. So why wait? Get a trial of Shakti Yoga today!

About the author

Navkiran Kaur