YogaSings | Iyengar Yoga with Jungin — Offering online and in-person Iyengar Yoga classes based in Seoul
Standing
Pranayama
Backward extension
Arm balances
Forward bends
Twists and seated
Inversion
Drawing from the Iyengar Yoga classification system and inspired by James Burgess’s Elven Star 7 Mystery, I have organized asanas into seven categories: standing poses, backward extensions, forward bends, twists and seated poses, arm balances, inversions, and pranayama. Each class centers on one of these categories as its primary theme, while engaging all seven in a balanced and integrated progression throughout the program.
Standing
The standing poses, known in Sanskrit as Utthishtha Sthiti, establish the body’s central axis by rooting the legs firmly into the earth, creating a stable foundation throughout the whole being. Standing is a practice of aligning the balance of one’s entire existence. As the spine extends upright, an inner center emerges that remains steady amid the fluctuations of the outer world.
Forward bends
The forward extensions, known in Sanskrit as Paschima Pratana Sthiti, humble the ego before emotion and bring the head close to the heart, allowing intellect to yield to the deeper resonance of feeling. By lengthening the back of the spine and broadening sideways, the nervous system regains tranquility, and a quiet receptivity arises to accept the flow of life as it is.
Back extension
The backward extensions, known in Sanskrit as Purva Pratana Sthiti, ground us firmly in reality while opening the heart to move forward toward hope and possibility. By lengthening the front of the spine and expanding the chest, we cultivate the courage to move beyond inner fears and welcome the flow of new change.
Inversion
The inversions, known in Sanskrit as Viparita Sthiti, reverse the usual relationship between the brain and the heart. By shifting the direction of gravity, this posture helps reorder the body’s inner systems. In the process, the brain is refreshed, the lymphatic nodes regain vitality, and both body and mind are recalibrated in serene equilibrium.
Twists & Seated
The twisting poses, known in Sanskrit as Parivrtta Sthiti, cultivate the power of insight that allows us to shift perspective and see reality with greater breadth and depth. As the sides of the spine extend and the body revolves, inner pathways open and long-held viewpoints are realigned. The twists breathes new life into our relationship with ourselves and the world.
Arm balances
The arm-balancing poses, known in Sanskrit as Hasta Tolana, are a practice of integrating will and vision through inner resilience.
As the body is supported by the strength of the arms and balance is sought, the inner center becomes firmly established. These postures strengthen the internal organs and enhance our sensitivity of both our limits and our potential with subtle awareness.
Pranayama
Pranayama, the regulation of breath, is a practice that awakens the deep power to draw forth inner wisdom. By attending to the subtle movements of the diaphragm and the muscles between the ribs, and gently expanding the full range of inhalation and exhalation,
Pranayama leads us to an experience of profound tranquility in our being.
