About Anusara Yoga

Anusara (a-nu-sar-a), means “flowing with Grace,” “going with the flow,” “following your heart”.

Founded by John Friend in 1997, Anusara Yoga® is a powerful hatha yoga system that unifies a Tantric philosophy of intrinsic Goodness with Universal Principles of Alignment™. Currently, Anusara Yoga is one of the most popular and fastest growing yoga styles in the world with over 1200 affiliated teachers and 100,000 students world-wide. Anusara's remarkable popularity is due in large part to its uplifting philosophy, epitomized by a "celebration of the heart," that looks for the good in all people and all things. Consequently,students of all levels of ability and yoga experience are honored for their unique differences, limitations, and talents.

This life-affirming vision sets the basis for a yoga system in which the harmony and joy of a tightly knit community is exulted. Not only is Anusara an elegant system of alignment principles and non-dual philosophy, but it is also a wonderful community of highly trained teachers and fun-loving students.

Anusara is flowing with Grace by saying "yes" to the whole magical spectrum of life. It is a willingness to be aware of all parts of ourselves-the light and the dark, the full rainbow of sensation, perception, emotion, and thought. Saying yes to life means to openly sense and know each moment fully without prejudging it. We simply open our hearts with love to the present moment without clinging or pushing. Then from this spacious place of perception we discern whether something is life-enhancing or not. Whatever we encounter, whether it is auspicious or malicious, good or bad, uplifting or disheartening, we respond in ways that are more life-affirming. To be in the flow is to feel the moment fully and then to choose to act in ways that celebrate the essence of life, Spirit, and our hearts.

Life is good.

Anusara practitioners, when they are embodying the Anusara teachings, naturally become nicer and more considerate. They develop a greater sensitivity and a heightened compassion toward everyone and everything around them. Further signs of progress on the path include a deepening of an inner strength and steadfastness. Anusara students become more appreciative and passionate participants in Life as they practice this life-affirming philosophy on and off the mat.
(Excerpts from www.anusara.com October 2006)