Inner Yoga is a method to experience the true essence of human nature, transcending the limitations of ordinary perception. It is a natural process of discovering our own unique qualities and accessing a state of true awakening.
Inner Yoga is entirely different from other traditional yoga methods. It approaches a completely new dimension of nature and experience, profound and captivating.
Due to societal constraints, the body often falls into a conditioned state and becomes rigid. The more rigid the body, the more limited the mind becomes. To have a harmonious life, the mind needs to be flexible. This can be achieved in two ways: a flexible body leads to a flexible mind, or a flexible mind stimulates a more flexible body.
The power of Inner Yoga lies in eliminating all constraints in body, bringing back natural flexibility. It helps the body return to natural movement and from there, the mind becomes closer to its essence. Inner Yoga creates a harmonious, peaceful and complete living experience.
Inner Yoga helps restore the connection between humans and nature, while integrating the body into the universe. It is a profound and powerful practice, yet simple. When going deep inside, life will reveal its natural beauty. The diverse colors of life will come into view.
What is Inner Yoga?
Inner Yoga is a spiritual practice that focuses on the inner aspects of yoga rather than the physical postures commonly associated with other types of yoga. The term “inner yoga” can encompass various practices and philosophies that aim to cultivate self-awareness, inner peace and spiritual development by emphasizing the integration of body, mind and spirit.
Inner Yoga transcends the physical postures and movements commonly associated with traditional Hatha Yoga, and instead emphasizes meditation, breathwork, energy work and mindfulness.
Some key components of Inner Yoga include:
- Meditation: Practitioners use various meditation techniques to cultivate mental clarity, emotional balance, and self-awareness.
- Pranayama: Breathwork or control of the life force energy (prana) is an essential part of Inner Yoga. Practitioners use breathing techniques to balance energy, enhance concentration and deepen their connection to the present moment.
- Energy work: Inner Yoga practitioners work with subtle energy systems, like the chakras and nadis, to promote healing, balance and spiritual growth.
- Mindfulness: Practitioners cultivate mindfulness by focusing on the present moment and developing a non-judgmental awareness of thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations.
- Ethical and spiritual principles: Inner Yoga is built upon the foundation of ethical and spiritual principles, such as the Yamas and Niyamas from Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. These principles guide practitioners in cultivating positive qualities like compassion, truthfulness and self-discipline.
While the practices and goals of Inner Yoga may vary from person to person, the overarching aim is to foster personal transformation and spiritual growth. If you integrate these different aspects, you will find a way to achieve a greater sense of harmony, balance and overall happiness in your life.
Origin of Inner Yoga
The origin of Inner Yoga comes from the combination of ancient yoga traditions and the unique contributions of modern spiritual professors, particularly Guruji Sri Vast. He has made significant contributions to the development of Inner Yoga, with purpose of helping individuals explore their inner world and cultivate awareness, balance and inner harmony.
Guruji Sri Vast combined elements of meditation, breath and gentle postures to create a highly transformative Inner Yoga practice. This is a precious gift that he has bestowed upon humanity, helping thousands of people embark on a journey towards inner harmony, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of life and interconnectedness.
Principles of Inner Yoga
During the process of exploring Inner Yoga, LotusBuddhas discovered that its principles focus on promoting a deep connection between the body, mind, spirit and include the following:
Self-awareness: Inner Yoga encourages practitioners to turn their attention inward, observing their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations to develop a greater understanding of their inner world.
Mindfulness: Practicing Inner Yoga helps individuals to cultivate mindfulness, or present-moment awareness, by directing their attention to their breath, body, and mind during meditation and movement.
Integration of body, mind and spirit: Inner Yoga emphasizes the interconnectedness of body, mind and spirit and seeks to harmonize these aspects through gentle postures, breathwork and meditation.
Energy work: Inner Yoga incorporates techniques for channeling and balancing the subtle energies within the body, often drawing on practices from Tantra and other energy-based traditions.
Inner harmony and balance: By cultivating self-awareness and inner balance, Inner Yoga helps individuals to develop greater resilience, equanimity, and emotional stability in the face of life’s challenges.
Personal growth and transformation: Inner Yoga encourages individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, using the practice as a tool for spiritual development and transformation.
Connection with the natural world and universal consciousness: Inner Yoga fosters a deep connection with nature and the wider universe, helping practitioners to cultivate a sense of oneness and interdependence with all living beings.
Benefits of Inner Yoga
Here are some amazing benefits that Inner Yoga practitioners share on yoga forums. It’s unfortunate that no member of LotusBuddhas has practiced this type of yoga to experience these wonderful benefits.
Stress reduction: Inner Yoga practices like meditation, breathwork, and mindfulness help to alleviate stress and induce a sense of relaxation and calmness.
Improved emotional balance: By cultivating self-awareness and emotional intelligence, Inner Yoga practitioners can better manage their emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Enhanced mental clarity and focus: Regular meditation and mindfulness practices improve concentration, memory, and cognitive functioning.
Greater self-awareness: Inner Yoga encourages practitioners to explore their thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, fostering a deeper understanding of oneself and one’s life experiences.
Increased resilience and adaptability: Inner Yoga cultivates mental and emotional flexibility, enabling practitioners to better handle challenging situations and adapt to change.
Physical health and well-being: While Inner Yoga places less emphasis on physical postures, the practice can still contribute to improved strength, flexibility, balance, and overall physical health.
Spiritual growth and development: Inner Yoga helps practitioners connect with their innermost selves and explore their spiritual nature, fostering a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in life.
Enhanced self-compassion and empathy: Inner Yoga practices cultivate compassion for oneself and others, promoting kindness, understanding and empathy in personal relationships.
Improved energy and vitality: Through breathwork and energy practices, Inner Yoga can help to balance and strengthen the body’s energy system, leading to increased vitality and overall well-being.
Personal growth and transformation: Inner Yoga provides a supportive framework for self-exploration and personal development, fostering growth, self-acceptance and transformation.
How to practice Inner Yoga
As mentioned above, LotusBuddhas has not had anyone practice Inner Yoga yet. However, luckily, a friend of LotusBuddhas named Alice, a student of Inner Yoga Trust based in the UK, has shared how to practice Inner Yoga. These may be just basic instructions for beginners.
Create a sacred space: Find a quiet, comfortable spot where you can practice without distractions. This can be a room, a corner, or even a spot outdoors. Make it your own by adding personal touches like candles, incense, or inspiring artwork.
Establish a routine: Consistency is key, my friend! Try to set aside time each day for your Inner Yoga practice, even if it’s just 10 or 15 minutes. You’ll be amazed at how this daily commitment can deepen your experience.
Tune in to your breath: Start your practice by focusing on your breath. Take slow, deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. This simple act of mindful breathing can help you center yourself and connect with the present moment.
Meditate: Meditation is a cornerstone of Inner Yoga. Find a comfortable seated position and allow your mind to settle as you continue to focus on your breath. You can experiment with different meditation techniques, like guided meditations or mantras, to see what resonates with you.
Explore pranayama: Pranayama, or breath control, is a powerful way to channel and balance your energy. Try incorporating basic techniques like alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) or the cooling breath (Sheetali) into your practice.
Practice mindfulness: Inner Yoga is all about being present and fully engaged in the here and now. Whether you’re on the mat or going about your day, try to cultivate a non-judgmental awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations.
Embrace the ethical principles: Inner Yoga is grounded in ethical and spiritual principles, like the yamas and niyamas from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Reflect on these principles and explore how they can guide your daily life and interactions with others.
Connect with your inner wisdom: As you deepen your practice, you’ll begin to tap into your own inner guidance and intuition. Trust yourself and honor your unique journey, knowing that you have everything you need within you.
The difference between Inner Yoga and other types of Yoga
The goal of Inner Yoga is to dive deep into oneself, focusing on personal development, self-awareness and spiritual growth. While other types of yoga share some common elements, such as Asanas and breathwork (pranayama), Inner Yoga places greater emphasis on the internal aspects of practice.
It’s like delving into the core of your being, exploring the most intimate parts of yourself. The emphasis is on developing awareness and harmony between your body, mind and spirit. It’s not so much about perfecting a posture or sweating in a yoga studio like other popular forms of yoga.
Inner Yoga encourages you to truly tune in, listen to your inner guidance and find your own unique rhythm. It’s like dancing with your soul. You will find yourself moving through postures, breathwork and meditation in a way that suits you. In addition, Inner Yoga incorporates teachings from various spiritual traditions, including Hinduism and Buddhism, into its philosophy.
