Shakti and Buti Yoga; Types of Yoga Part 4

There are seriously so many types of Yoga! I could probably write ten more posts…but for now, I’ll let this be the last one. If you’ve been following along with this mini-series then you should have a pretty extensive knowledge of the different styles of yoga. If not, I recommend you start from the beginning because these last two styles are a little less conventional than the rest. Not that it’s a bad thing, I just don’t want to scare you off quite yet! The last two styles I will be diving into, are Shakti Yoga and Buti Yoga. Super fun styles to practice! Just make sure you bring an open mind and leave your shyness at the door.

Much like Yin and Restorative, Shakti and Buti Yoga often get confused for the same style. While both can get your heart pumping, take you out of your head and into your body, the lineage of these practices are very different. There’s not much more explaining I can do here without you knowing a little bit more about each style. So, here we go!

Shakti Yoga

Before we understand Shakti Yoga, It’s important to understand what Shakti is. Shakti is a goddess in the Hindu belief system. She is the counterpart to Shiva and other male Gods. Shakti is often referred to as the divine feminine. The energy of Shakti is what’s responsible for bringing emotions and expression into our lives, as well as creation and destruction. We all have the power of Shakti within us, even males have this feminine energy. Much like Yin and Yang, Shakti and her counterparts are what bring balance to this world through their differing natures.

Shakti Yoga is a series of breathwork, mantras, and movements that awaken the Shakti energy. It’s a similar idea to Kundalini Yoga, and actually, derives from the Kundalini practice. However, the ultimate goal of the practice differs. In Kundalini Yoga, the practitioner is trying to reach a state of total liberation by waking up their highest, most intuitive self. Shakti Yoga is more about energetic release and vitality. However reaching a state of liberation is as a whole, the intention of most Yoga practices.

Traditionally, Shakti Yoga classes focus on the sun salutations in terms of movement. However, many Shakti teachers will add other poses into their classes that are feminine in nature. Shakti is not as static as other styles of Yoga either. Shakti classes often incorporate dynamic movements within the postures and transitions to help stir the feminine energy. Additionally, you may practice mantra and pranayama as you flow to help draw out the different aspects of the feminine energy.

Buti Yoga

Buti Yoga is a more recent style of Yoga developed in 2010 by Bizzi Gold. It combines tribal dance moves with Yoga postures to create a rhythmic flow. Buti is also very energetic! Attending a Buti class is like going to a cardio hiit class with yoga mixed in between. these movements aredesigned to take yogis outside of their head and into their bodies allowing for creativity and rhythm to flow.

Bizzi’s story of how she came to create Buti and why is very inspiring. After practicing yoga in what felt like, a masculine approach, Bizzi wanted to create a style of yoga honoring women. Attending a Buti class can be a truly empowering experience. The teacher will often refer to the students as a tribe, building each other up and supporting one another. The dynamic movements of a Buti class can be a little uncomfortable at first, but they allow students to explore their body’s movements in brand new ways. Students often leave feeling energized, uplifted and more comfortable in their own skin.

Since Buit Yoga was created, it has influenced the practice of Shakti Yoga. A more modern Shakti class might include dance like moves into their flows. The biggest difference between the two is that Shakti is more about drawing the energy up from the pelvis and feeling a sense of release. While Buti utilizes more dynamic dance moves from multiple cultures as a form of expression and empowerment. However, both practices aid in drawing out the feminine energy and releasing energetic blocks in the body and mind.

Hopefully this helps clear up the differences about Shakti and Buti Yoga. For now, this is the end of my Types of Yoga series. As always, if you have suggestions, questions or just want to say hi, comment below of send me an email!

Love and Light,

Sarah

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