What I’m reading: ‘the vinyasa of everything’ by Cyndi Lee

Rainbow on Sudley Field, South Liverpool

In western cultures, we tend to think of vinyasa as a fast-paced, fitness-based approach to yoga.
Hands up if you’ve ever gone along to a vinyasa class and struggled to keep up with the tempo, perhaps even losing the breath completely rather than managing to move with each breath? Yep, me too - you’re not alone.

In her latest newsletter, renowned mindful yoga teacher, Cyndi Lee, writes about ‘the vinyasa of everything’ and I’ve been reflecting on her words ever since I first read them. Suddenly I see vinyasa in a whole new, beautiful and more meaningful light. 

I wanted to share Cyndi’s wisdom with you here - and not least because what she has to say deeply resonates with the intentions we’ve invited into our yoga classes this week to plant seeds this springtime that will bear future fruit.

These writings were originally published in Cyndi’s memoir, May I Be Happy so if you enjoy them, put the book on your reading list - I know I will be!

‘The vinyasa of everything’

‘Vinyasa has three parts: arising, abiding, and dissolving. And the dissolving of one thing is the arising of the next. Every day turns into night turns into day. Winter becomes spring becomes summer becomes autumn becomes winter. Waves roll in and slip back out, tides ebb and flow. Every breath is like this. Every life is like this.

Each flower buds, ripens, and blooms, wilts and fades away. The leaves fall to the earth and create the ground for a new plant to grow.

The Sanskrit word vinyasa means “to place in a special way.“ It means that everything is connected and the sequence of things matters. It means that every action, thought, or word that rises now is planting the seed for future fruit. “In a special way” means the unfolding of life is logical. If you plant a tomato seed, you will get a tomato. If you plant an apple seed and you wait long enough, you will get an apple tree. And if you plant a hard thought you will get a hard heart.’

Thank you, Cyndi, for sharing your teachings with us! 🙏🏻

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Follow this link to read Cyndi’s newsletter article in full and subscribe. 

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