What is Viniyoga?

“Viniyoga is a methodology for developing personal practice using āsana, prāņāyāma, meditation, ritual and prayer to protect and maintain our health, promote our ability to be productive in the world and inspire our quest for self-realization.” Gary Kraftsow

Viniyoga is a practical, intelligent approach  to yoga that encourages development of the continual self-care concept. Yoga is best taught adapted to each individual to assist in the following:

• Flexibility
• Strength
• Clarity
• Maintain overall good health and well-being
• Stay aligned with one's inner wisdom, integrity and hearts' desire

This lineage is traced to the south Indian yogi and sage Nathamuni from whom we have the text Yoga Rahasya (circa 800 C.E). Nathamuni taught that as we grow, the methods we use must be modified and the very purpose of our practice changed.

This approach to practicing and teaching yoga was passed down to T. Krishnamacharya, who in turn passed it down to his son T.K V. Desikachar, who in turn taught my teacher Gary Kraftsow.

My introduction to Viniyoga was in 1994 at the Pierce Program in Atlanta, Ga. I attended classes for a couple of years learning to connect breath with movement and experience the use of repetition into and out of a posture in preparation for staying in a posture as a means to deepen the beneficial aspects of yoga āsana practice.

In 2000, at “the Art of Personal Practice” retreat in Maui, I was introduced to Gary and Mirka Kraftsow’s method of teaching. I was intrigued by Gary’s use of language, deep understanding of the Viniyoga methodology and sharp observation skills. Mirka’s joyful way of teaching with an open heart touched me very deeply.

I knew at the end of that week-long retreat that there was no turning back – I entered the American Viniyoga Institute’s teacher training program.