Why rhythm and repetition matter in yoga
In the modern yoga world, there’s lots of styles to choose from. By far one of the most popular styles in the West is “Vinyasa yoga”, originating from the Ashtanga method and branded across multiple sub-headings. With so much on offer within the online yoga community at present, there can exist a pressure for yoga teachers to teach (and students to practice) a new sequence every time they step onto the mat. There is novelty in expanding our physical capabilities within the practice, but yoga is a lifelong marathon, not a sprint, and consistency and repetition offer a more balanced approach as opposed to change and fluidity.
The idea that practice creates progress is key in everything we do, as it is in life and in yoga. Here are my key points as to why rhythm and repetition have value in a yoga practice.
At the heart of Vinyasa-based yoga, is rhythmic movement. One of the biggest draw cards to this style of practice is the synchronisation of movement with breath. Rhythmic movements allows the practitioner to adopt a well-calibrated, even breath to support physical awareness and mental resilience.
By embracing repetition, we are embracing education. Just as if we are learning a new instrument or studying a new language, we don’t learn a chorus or a phrase just once and put it away. Many hours of practice, patience and repetition is required to improve and develop. When yoga classes are too constantly varied, steady progress is absent and we can be left floundering. Yoga is a practice, and without practice, there is little room for improvement.
Creating a meditative experience. Moving with rhythm and repeating actions in our poses is a focussing, meditative experience. These repetitive motions can help to bring alertness and lightness to our practice.
The advanced practitioner. Isn’t necessarily one who can jump out of bed and press up into handstand. Rather, practicing with precision, regularity and attentiveness, creates a strong base from which we can move forward and explore new challenges.