Anusara, the latest style from the US, stretches out to Bangkok

Our anusara yoga class, led by Boremy Srey, begins with the chanting of a mantra. We're then taken through the basic asanas - the poses coordinated with our breathing - which include an easy warm-up position and the more complicated Downward-facing Dog, Tree and Spinal Twist.

"Stand with your legs apart," says Boremy Srey. "Turn right with the right foot pointing to the right. Bend the right knee. Stretch the left leg to the back while both arms are reaching up in a warrior pose. Spread the fingers out.

"Set the foundation and open to grace. Open to the unseen energy that lifts all of us."

Anusara means "to step into the current of the heart, to align with the pulsation of nature", he explains.

A school founded by John Friend in 1997, anusara is one of the most popular yoga styles in the world with classes that have spread throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and now Asia.

Absolute Yoga, on the fourth floor of Amarin Plaza, is where Srey has been teaching since December. The centre offers regular anusara classes. Yoga Element Studio on Soi Chidlom offers special workshops by visiting instructors.

The underlying philosophy of this school of hatha yoga is tantric in nature. As such, the manifest universe is seen as a manifestation of the divine.

"After the class people feel good about themselves," Boremy Srey says. "Between each inhalation and exhalation, as between thoughts, there is a chance for a brief glimpse at a true awakening. It is a kind of meditation."

XTRA

Go get bent

>> Absolute Yoga offers regular anusara classes at its Amarin, Thonglor, and Lat Phrao studios. For details, visit www.Absolute YogaBangkok.com or call (02) 252 4400.

>> Yoga Elements Studio is offering two anusara workshops tomorrow with Amy Ippoliti, from 10am to 12.30pm and 1.30 to 4pm. It's Bt1,200 per session for members, otherwise Bt1,800.

>> Call (02) 655 5671 or visit www.YogaElements.com.