Scott Sonnon: Born to Fail - Made to Succeed

Prasara Yoga: The Foundation DVD

“Viewing Prasara: Flow Without Thought Foundation DVDs is like attending a workshop with prasara creator Scott Sonnon, but at the fraction of the cost of most yoga workshops. The two DVD series is an excellent way to learn about and practice the prasara technique. On disc one Sonnon discusses the philosophy behind prasara in a peaceful outdoor setting. In this lecture style DVD Sonnon describes prasara as movement and flow beyond thought, and one meaning of prasara is “to dance”. Sonnon’s style is conversational and relaxed but packed with profound information about yoga, anatomy, breath and health in general. His passion for yoga shines through. The discussion is interspersed with short segments showing Sonnon doing prasara sequences. His segment on structure is particularly helpful for those working with chronic pain issues or those interested in yoga therapy. Sonnon brings to yoga some original ideas from his training in other exercise disciplines. I’ve never come across what Sonnon calls the “anger or force level breath” and I was glad to learn something new about a topic (breath/pranayama) I’ve studied rigorously.

The second DVD is for practicing prasara at home and contains multiple sequences. The sequences are set to music and not narrated. They are most appropriate for people with a foundation in yoga. (Sonnon offers a DVD titled Prasara: Instructional Series “A” for viewers interested in a more traditional instructional DVD.) At first glance I thought some of the sequences looked difficult. But I jumped in, followed along, and was surprised at how fluid the sequence felt even the first time I tried it. The sequences move the body in a full circle which is something exciting I’ve never done during a yoga class. A printed insert is included that lists poses for two flow sequences and a summary of the “levels of breath.” Prasara has transformed my own yoga practice. I am more creative moving in and out of poses, as well as modifying poses into new poses all my own. I credit prasara with a new sense of freedom in my personal practice. This DVD is a great place to start learning about the exciting practice of prasara.”

Jessica Teel
Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor