A sequence for play, self-exploration, and honoring the creative process, join Clara and the students of Lila Vinyasa Yoga for a Shakti-themed vinyasa flow.

Style: Vinyasa

Duration: 22-min

Level: Open-levels

Props: N/A

Focus: General

Location: Stretch – Vancouver

Shakti means energy or power in Sanskrit, Shakti is the creative force known for play and exploration.

This Vinyasa Flow Yoga for Creativity is all about honoring the creative process as it unfolds, moving, and exploring all the sensations and breath in the body without expectation. Shakti is the creative spark and dynamic counterpart of Shiva, who represents ultimate consciousness.

Together, Shakti and Shiva together create the universe. This sequence begins seated with a Prana Flow style breath and arm movement to open the side waist, chest, and back. Sufi grinds from tabletop help to activate the kundalini energy located at the base of the spine, moving the energy from the lower to higher chakras.

A seated version of Breath of Joy helps to clear the space in the lungs by forcing the air out in bellows. This creates a sense of clarity and elation followed by a state of calm as the Prana flows freely through your body. Wide twists of the upper torso and arms in lunge pose strengthen the core, upper back, and shoulders.

Twisting compresses the muscles and organs around the lower abdomen and spin, which blocks the flow of blood. Releasing the twist allows a fresh supply of blood rich in oxygen and nutrients to flow back to the areas compressed to aid in improving circulation.

This vinyasa flow class for creativity will take you through a variation of Vasisthasana (side plank pose) with the front leg on the ground for a Lahari Flow. This opens the outer hips and strengthens the muscles surrounding the shoulders.

A longer-held hip opener, with options including Supta Kapotasana (reclined pigeon) and Agnistambhasana (double pigeon), provides a deep outer hip release and is an excellent stretch for the groins, glutes, and lower back.

Hip opening activates the space in the pelvis where Shakti lives, awakening the creative force and the second chakra sacral area. Stay seated to take Ardha Matsyendrasana (seated spinal twist) to encourage spinal mobility and digestion, and give the organs in the area an internal massage.

Completed with back bending, you choose from Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (bridge) or Urdhva Dhanurasana (wheel) and end with any variation of Ananda Balasana (happy baby pose) and savasana on your back or seated meditation.

This class is suitable for all levels and was filmed in Vancouver, BC, Canada.