What exactly is Forrest Yoga?
There are many different yoga methods. One of them is Forrest Yoga, developed about 40 years ago by the American Ana T. Forrest . This form of yoga is a powerful, intense, and emotional style of yoga based on the connection between body and mind. It helps to release or overcome physical and emotional blockages and bring both into a healthy balance. The goal, therefore, is to find physical and mental stability.
What exactly is Forrest Yoga?
The yoga style is based on traditional Hatha Yoga , which was further developed by founder Ana T. Forrest. The key components of this yoga style are:
- Deep breathing
- dynamic physical exercises
- Strength that Forrest Yoga conveys
- Mind, as yoga encourages you to feel freer and to follow your own path with conviction or to change it as often necessary
- integrity
- Spirit, in the form of a feeling of freedom
- Authenticity, as yoga adapts to the physical and emotional state
How does Forrest Yoga work?
The yoga classes always begin with a pranayama exercise . This is followed by shoulder and neck openers, followed by intensive exercises for the abdominal muscles and sun salutations. Various standing asanas, which are held for a very long time, are also part of the yoga exercises. They build on one another, becoming more challenging and culminating in a climax. Conscious, deep breathing quickly connects the mind and emotions with the body or rather with the parts that need more attention. This stretches the tissue and directs awareness there, subsequently boosting and awakening energy and also joy in life. In Forrest Yoga, the breath is the engine that drives everything. Nothing works without it. The dynamic physical exercises and targeted breathing are intended to sweat out harmful substances and toxins. The goal is an improved supply of oxygen to the body and optimised regeneration of the body's cells.
What can you achieve through Forrest Yoga?
Through Forrest Yoga, you can release emotional, physical, and mental blockages. It's also about changing or overcoming limiting behavioral patterns and awakening the senses. This makes it possible to find yourself and achieve greater inner peace. The long-held asanas cause the information stored in the body that blocks us to surface. This happens by allowing the energy contained in the muscles and connective tissue to flow. Releasing blockages and emotions creates a liberating feeling. On a physical level, you can strengthen the deep muscles. The Forrest Yoga exercises also make the body muscular, toned, fit, and stamina-enhancing.
Who is Forrest Yoga suitable for?
This form of yoga is suitable for everyone, as no special strength, physical dexterity, or prior experience is required. The exercises can be adapted to the needs of the practitioner. What matters most in Forrest Yoga is, first and foremost, a willingness to engage, to align the body precisely, to relax the neck, to consciously activate the hands and feet, to spread the toes, to use the breath and mind purposefully, and to be authentic to yourself. Then you will learn to connect with the wisdom of your body and soul to make the right decisions in every situation, enabling you to live a happy and free life.
Conclusion
Forrest Yoga is a form of body psychotherapy based on self-honesty. It is important to recognize and change unfavorable structures, patterns, behaviors, and perspectives if they are not serving you. Ultimately, your heart's desires can surface and be fulfilled. The ultimate goal of Forrest Yoga is greater happiness, contentment, and joy in life, or rather, an improvement in the quality of life. An intensive Forrest Yoga course lasts two hours, but 45, 60, or 90 minutes are also possible.
Image © diego_cervo / 123rf.com