Physics is the scientific study of matter and energy, the relationship between the two, and how it affects larger and more complex systems. Yoga Physics is a scientific approach to teaching yoga that focuses on the interaction between the physical body in asana practice and the energetic union with consciousness created by focusing attention on one another, creating the ability to make one wise decisions in the present moment.
Developed by Los Angeles based yoga teacher Alexandria Crow, the Yoga Physics methodology moves students toward each pose through detailed alignment and muscular efforts communicated in a clear and meticulous manner. Students are encouraged to pay attention to their physical capabilities as they are guided through the poses, starting in their simplest and most approachable state, and moving towards deeper and more complex postures. Each step is given as students are encouraged to discern whether moving forward to the next step and finally the final pose is wise in the moment. This approach empowers students of any experience level the freedom to experiment with their edge throughout the practice knowing it’s about precision, wisdom, positive growth and change, not about perfection or even achieving a final pose. Students leave with a clear understanding of why they are doing the poses, why they are being asked to perform certain anatomical efforts, and how the postures fit together, but they also see the connection between patterns in the body and patterns in the mind. They learn to let go of judgments, old stories, bad habits, fears and inhibitions through concentration and making mindful choices, leading to progress in their asana practice but also more contentment in their lives.
Yoga Physics aims to clearly explain in the simplest terms the what, why’s and how’s of asana, meditation and yogic philosophy making the practice approachable for everyone, of every level and of every walk of life. Alexandria Crow’s knowledge of anatomy and how the body functions in relation to asana gives her the ability to see patterns, allowing her to break down poses to their simplest form so that she can teach her students how to work with their bodies wisely in any posture. She clearly communicates how to approach each pose so students have insight into what they are doing anatomically as they tune into what’s happening on a physical level. This physical awareness leads to the ability to tap into what’s going on in the mind, creating a mindful exploration of one’s thought patterns. Once students are able to concentrate, their consciousness leads to more clarity, which allows for the individual to make wiser decisions in the present moment, leading not only to progress in their asana practice, but also to a more fulfilling life off the mat.