Precision

How to place the feet in Tadasana – Mountain pose, how to adjust the legs in Trikonasana – Triangle pose, how to align the shoulder blades in Adho Mukha Svanasana - Downward Facing Dog Pose… the deliberate and systematic teaching not only helps the student find greater awareness in the pose but also a point of mental focus. BKS Iyengar referred to the asana practice as "meditation in action”.  Detailed instruction is a tool to draw one inward, to align the mind and body in the present moment.  

Sequencing

Sequencing in an Iyengar class has an intentional arc based on principles created by BKS Iyengar.  In addition, by practicing different families of poses each week, one can experience a wider range of poses and their effects on the mind and body.  Forward “bends” and inversions, for example, can be quieting for the mind, while backbends can be energizing for the mind. Pranayama and supported supine poses can lower stress and bring needed rest into the body and mind while standing poses and inversions create strength, stamina, and courage.

Creativity

In practice, I might notice how my shoulders are feeling, and then bring more attention to the shoulder blades throughout my practice.  I might draw students’ attention to this in my sequencing that week.  BKS Iyengar encouraged us to have a “curious mind”, not to do “yesterday’s pose” but to use the memory of past practice as a launch pad for today’s exploration.  

Timing

There isn’t just one way to practice Iyengar Yoga.  Some practices are fast-paced, others slower with longer holds. A fast-paced class can be uplifting and energizing, while a slower practice more meditative and quieting. As one becomes more attuned to the effect of the practice, one can explore and call upon different types of sequences to transform the mind.