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Many of us begin practicing yoga because of its physical benefits, yet over time this has led to the misunderstanding that yoga is merely gymnastics or another way to work out. In my opinion, this is a mistake, because yoga is a system for self-mastery. Most of my clients come to practice yoga seeking relief from the demands of everyday life, wanting to relax both body and mind. I acknowledge that one of the first benefits is entering a more relaxed state that allows the mind to simply be, free from constant noise, but this is not the ultimate goal of the practice. I would say it is only a preparation for what lies deeper — the cultivation of total presence. In that sense, we do not need overcomplicated asanas; rather, we must learn to pay attention to each component: movement, posture, breathing, gaze, emotions and thoughts. Each of these aspects, when treated separately, can already be challenging to work with, and the beauty of yoga is that it unites them into a single, integrated practice. The deeper we dwell in awareness, the more we can remain present with a sense of fullness and wellbeing. For me, yoga is a key that opens a path each practitioner must walk in their own time and with their own readiness.
Vinyasa Krama traces its roots to the teachings of Sri T. Krishnamacharya, one of the most influential figures in modern yoga. In the early 20th century, as yoga began evolving from a traditional practice into a structured system, Krishnamacharya emphasized that it should be adapted to the individual rather than imposed as a rigid method. Through his teaching in Mysore and later in Madras, his approach gradually reached the West, especially from the 1960s onward, as several of his students introduced their interpretations of yoga to Europe and the United States. The term “Krama” refers to progression — a gradual and intelligent sequencing of postures, breath and attention. At its origin, this was not meant to be a fixed style, but a principle: a way of building practice step by step, respecting the needs, capacity and evolution of each practitioner.
Unlike many contemporary “flow” classes that follow predetermined sequences, Vinyasa Krama is not built around repetition or performance. While styles such as Ashtanga emphasize fixed series and progressive mastery of set postures, and Hatha often focuses on holding individual asanas with defined structure, Vinyasa Krama is guided by the principle of intelligent progression. Even when compared to Yin Yoga, which explores stillness and long-held postures, Vinyasa Krama remains distinct in its adaptability. Rather than belonging to a single tempo or format, it allows the teacher to shape the practice according to the individual’s needs — whether that means building strength, restoring mobility, refining breath awareness or introducing foundational principles to beginners. In this way, the method becomes less about adhering to a style and more about responding with precision to the person in front of it.
Félix Fuenzalida is a private yoga instructor based in Saint-Tropez. His teaching integrates Vinyasa Krama, mindful movement and disciplined awareness, guiding each practitioner toward clarity, balance and presence.
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