Ishta yoga is a style of yoga that focuses on the individual needs of each student, encouraging them to develop their own personal practice. The word “ishta” means “desired” or “beloved” in Sanskrit, and this practice is based on the idea that each person has a unique path to follow in order to reach their fullest potential.
Ishta yoga incorporates a variety of yoga styles, including Hatha, Vinyasa, and Kundalini, with an emphasis on alignment and breath control. The practice typically begins with pranayama (breath work), followed by a series of physical postures (asanas) that are customized to the individual’s needs and abilities.
The goal of Ishta yoga is to help practitioners deepen their self-awareness and connect with their inner wisdom, or “ishtadevata” (beloved deity). This may involve the use of mantras, visualization, and other meditation techniques to help students focus their minds and achieve a sense of inner peace.
In addition to physical postures and meditation, Ishta yoga also incorporates the study of yoga philosophy, including the concepts of karma, dharma, and the chakras. This holistic approach is intended to help students cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, leading to a greater sense of balance, clarity, and purpose in their lives.