Kim Beecher, D.C.
What is yoga? Often in the West, yoga has come to be understood as postures or exercise. This perspective is important in that it acknowledges the excellence of hatha yoga as a system of exercise. However, the perspective that sees yoga only as exercise misses its essence. The word yoga means “union” reminding us that through the path of yoga, the individual self achieves divine union with the universal Self, a state of supreme understanding and perfect peace.
TriYoga is a complete system of universal and ageless yoga teachings founded by master yogini Kali Ray. A practical path to transformation, Yogini Kaliji’s world-renowned hatha TriYoga Flows are a unique fusion of flowing and sustained postures united with breath and mudra.
Although yoga is far more than just exercise, if viewed as an exercise workout, the TriYoga Flows are ideal. At first, the flows warm-up the body gradually, then deepen into more intense strengthening and stretching poses, followed by a cooling-down period of gentler postures and deep relaxation. Several different levels and series of TriYoga Flows from Basics to subsequent levels allow students of all ages and backgrounds to systematically progress to greater states of fitness, health and relaxation in a safe and therapeutic way.
The TriYoga Flows will develop and strengthen the mind and body in the following ways, cultivating benefits that greatly enhance the quality of life:
- Toned muscles in all parts of the body: arms, legs, neck, back, hips, abdomen and chest.
A strong, flexible and healthy spine: Due to the spinal wavelike movements inherent in the flows, oxygen and nutrients are provided to the mostly avascular intervertebral disc. Posture improves through increased strength, flexibility and attention to alignment. - Increased lung capacity: focus on the deep, complete breath improves lung capacity, promotes relaxation and reduces stress. Also improves health and energy through increased blood circulation and lymphatic flow. Relaxation and a sense of well being come through the consistent focus on alignment, flow and breath.
- Strengthened heart: a strong, steady, deep and slow heartbeat helps build endurance, allowing one to do intense aerobic exercise such as hiking or dancing at a moment’s notice.
- Flexibility in movements: improves the full range of possible motion in the joints of the body (the entire spine, shoulder, hips, and other joints).
- Coordination and balance: focus on the flow and balancing postures develops grace, inner calm and serenity. Strength and flexibility increase in both sides of the body equally so that the body can function efficiently and in a balanced way.
- Rehabilitation and recovery to peak performance: TriYoga Flows excel as post-injury exercise progressing from basic to advanced levels. Yoga is weight-bearing exercise, so it helps prevent osteoporosis. It also benefits those with stress-related conditions and health challenges such as scoliosis, arthritis, and asthma. There is ultimate progress to peak levels of fitness.
- Energized mind and body: enhances awareness, clarity of thought, ability to make decisions and overall quality of life.
The ideal exercise program can be achieved through the TriYoga Flows. And just think, with proper focus, concentration and practice, this fitness program can also be the path to perfect peace!
Kim (Nandi) is a doctor of chiropractic and former college anatomy teacher. A long-time student of Yogini Kaliji, she is Assistant Director of TriYoga teacher training and a senior-level instructor. Nandi teaches at the TriYoga Center in Santa Cruz, California and internationally.