Yoga in the Garden of Serenity

According to the introduction, this hourlong practice combines elements of Kripalu and Iyengar Yoga, Pilates, Alexander, Feldenkrais work and dance. It's designed specifically to improve the posture and strengthen the core of sendentary office workers. The pracice, divided into five sections, begins with a simple seated breathing exercise. The next two sections present an inventive sequence of sitting exercise for the neck and torso. Section 4 consists of a 15 - minute "Gate Series" -- though where this gate is and what it leads to isn't very clearly defined - which includes several sitting forward bends and hip and side stretches. The last section finishes up with several reclining exercises that lead to a short relaxation.

Boston based and Kripalu certified Anderson is an accomplished, thoughtful teacher with a quiet, soothing manner (as befits her tapes subtitle). Most of the session - except for the Gate Series, in which the postures are statically held - moves gracefully along, almost like a ballet. The exercises concentrate on the neck and shoulder, spine and hips - just the ticket for office workers, who tend to stiffen in exactly these areas.

I don't really see much Iyengar influence in all this, and I wonder if our nine to five friends can sit comfortably with their legs crosssed, as Anderson does for the first 25 minutes of the practice; she might have suggested alternating the cross of the legs every few minutes, or even sitting in a chair instead of on the floor. Still, this is a very gentle and approachable practice for all levels of students.



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Yoga Journal: May/June issue pg. 162 a Video review by Richard Rosen of "Yoga in the Garden of Serenity" by Kathleen R. Anderson