Ranch: Precedents

I had an epiphany! After continuous thought and dissection of Howard Thomas’ piece entitled Philadelphia I have come to the conclusion that my concept must have something to do with gesture, movement, stability, and structure. I also observed that in the Philadelphia Thomas used stable blocks of color, this immediately reminded me of my past experiences in yoga. I thought about how the body is in conscious movement with breath (gestural line) and yet the spirit and mind can be renewed or at rest (blocks of color). I haven’t yet decided exactly what my concept will be called but it will most definitely be one of the following.

Anusara Yoga is a relatively new form of yoga (1997), which pairs strict principles of alignment with a playful spirit. Postures can be challenging, but the real message of Anusara is to open your heart and strive to connect with the divine in yourself and others.

Ashtanga (or Astanga) Yoga is the name given to the system of yoga taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. This style of yoga is physically demanding as it involves synchronizing breathing with progressive and continuous series of postures-a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, flexibility, stamina, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. Ashtanga is an athletic yoga practice and is not for beginners.

Kripalu is called the yoga of consciousness. This gentle, introspective practice urges practitioners to hold poses to explore and release emotional and spiritual blockages. Goal-oriented striving is discouraged and precise alignment is not as important as in some other traditions. There are three stages in Kripalu yoga. Stage One focuses on learning the postures and exploring your bodies abilities. Stage Two involves holding the postures for an extended time, developing concentration and inner awareness. Stage Three is like a meditation in motion in which the movement from one posture to another arises unconsciously and spontaneously.

Vinyasa: Focuses on coordination of breath and movement and it is a very physically active form of yoga. It began with Krishnamacharya who later passed it on to Pattabhi Jois.

http://www.matsmatsmats.com/yoga/yoga-disciplines.html#back

"the bending of light to create shape and shadow"