July 2025

July 2025

Monthly Through Line: July 2025 FLEXION

WELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES

Hey all – it’s Simon here from Chromatic Yoga.

For the past five years, I’ve been diving deep into the system of Chromatic Yoga with Matt Giordano, and it’s completely transformed not just how I feel in my practice, but how I approach teaching. Using the step-by-step progressive methodology of Chromatic Yoga has brought so much clarity and purpose to my classes, and it’s given me a new level of confidence in guiding students toward higher levels of body awareness and improved strength and flexibility.

If you’re anything like me, you’re a bit of an anatomy nerd who lights up at the mention of biomechanics. It’s a passion – but with the sheer volume of information out there and the complexity of the human body, it can feel overwhelming at times to plan and sequence consistently transformational classes. That’s why I love the structure and depth Chromatic Yoga offers – it helps cut through the noise and brings everything together in a way that truly supports both teacher and student.

That’s where CHROMATIC MONTHLY THROUGH LINES comes in!

In Chromatic Yoga, we keep things straightforward. That’s why we’ve launched this “Monthly Through Line” community initiative. It’s designed to help you – our Chromatic Teachers – focus and intelligently design your classes to best support your students. If you’re just here to practice, that’s great too. You’ll be able to apply these through-lines to gain more insight in to body biomechanics and potentially access the poses you’ve always wanted to do but perhaps haven’t gotten yet. 

How it Works:

  1. On the first of every month, we announce the Chromatic Monthly Through-Line. We zoom in on one body part and explore all the ways it affects our yoga practice throughout the month.
  2. We highlight a Physical Through Line (PTL) you can incorporate into your classes each week, along with pose suggestions and cueing techniques.
  • WHAT IS A PHYSICAL THROUGH LINE? 

  • A Physical Through Line is a term we use in Chromatic Yoga that is defined by the muscle engagement, or joint action that we focus on through the duration of the yoga class. Certified Chromatic Teachers construct their classes around a PTL (Physical Through Line) in order to create a more effective learning environments for students. As a student you can expect that each Chromatic class will include a PTL. Of course, you will do other postures and other muscle engagements within a Chromatic class, however there is a strong emphasis on the PTL.

3. Share how you’ve used the PTL by tagging us on IG and in our Global WhatsApp Group! 

    For July, the Chromatic Monthly Through-Line will be….

    The Function of Flexion

    If extension is your body’s way of expanding, opening and reaching back, then flexion is its invitation to folding forward, rounding, and drawing in. It’s the action of decreasing the angle between two body parts or bones, like when you draw your thigh toward your belly, reach your arms overhead, or round your spine. We experience it constantly – on our mats (from seated forward folds to arm balances) or at our desks, even in the way we hug someone.

    But in yoga, flexion isn’t just about curling in – it’s about strength, control, and intentional folding. When used with awareness, flexion can create depth in postures, stability in transitions, and clarity in alignment. This month, we break down how flexion shows up in four key areas: the wrists, spine, shoulders, and hips.


    Week 1: Wrist Flexion – Building Awareness and Strength at the Edge

    Wrist flexion occurs when the palm moves closer to the inner forearm, such as when your fingers are drawing in or the back of the hand is weight-bearing. While wrist extension is more common in yoga (e.g., Downward Dog), flexion is just as essential – especially in counterbalancing repetitive loading patterns and improving grip strength.


    Week 2: Spinal Flexion – Rounding with Purpose

    Spinal flexion is the action of rounding the spine—bringing the head, shoulders, and pelvis toward one another. While we often think of this as “forward folding,” true spinal flexion involves segmental movement, especially in the thoracic and lumbar regions. It’s essential for developing core strength, awareness, and safe transitions.


    Week 3: Shoulder Flexion – Reaching with Intention

    Shoulder flexion happens when you lift your arms forward and overhead, as in Urdhva Hastasana or Downward Dog. It’s a major component of sun salutations, inversions, and any pose that involves overhead reach. Flexion at the shoulder is often limited by tightness or misalignment in the thoracic spine or lats, so awareness and support are key.


    Week 4: Hip Flexion – Folding, Balancing, and Stabilizing

    Hip flexion occurs when the thigh moves toward the front of the torso. It’s the basis for countless yoga poses, from Warrior III to Boat Pose, and also essential for seated postures and transitions. Balanced hip flexion supports both strength and range—particularly important for core stability and healthy lower backs.


     

    Simon’s RECAP AND TOP TIPS

    sPEAK POSTURES TO CONSIDER FOR FLEXION:

    Week 1 Wrists: TUESDAY, JULY 1 Any pose where your hands are required to grab your mat, especially where your fingers are digging in. Although your wrists are likely to be in extension, the balancing action required from the wrist flexor muscles brings it in to the flexion category. Think Plank, any arm balances like Crow Pose (Bakasana), 8 Angle Pose (Ashtavakrasana), Side Plank (Vashistasana), think also how the hands are in Eagle (Garundasana) (if you get the double twist of the arms and hands). 

    Week 2 Spine: MONDAY, JULY 7 Cat Pose (Marjaryasana) is a classic way to explore full spinal flexion with breath. Childs Pose (Balasana) with passive flexion that offers length and rest. Finally Happy Baby (Ananda Balasana) offers both hip flexion and spinal flexion in a more playful yet satisfying pose.   

    Week 3 Shoulders: MONDAY, JULY 14 Upward Salute (Urdhva Hastasana) is a foundational standing pose that emphasizes full shoulder flexion. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) strengthens the shoulders in flexion while encouraging length through the spine.

    Week 4 Hips: MONDAY, JULY 21 Boat Pose (Navasana) – A classic core pose that strengthens the hip flexors and spine. Low Lunge (Anjaneyasana – Front Leg Focus) encourages deep flexion in the front hip while opening the back leg. Supine Leg Lifts are an excellent for isolating and strengthening the hip flexors and depending on your peak pose could be done while maintaining spinal flexion. 

    BONUS WEEK this month: Pop Quiz – can you come up with a Peak Pose and appropriate PTL for a pose that either combines all 4 of these actions OR apply flexion to another part of the body not already covered this month. 

     

    FOR TEACHER’S: VERBAL CUE’S

    For some of the following actions of Flexion, in the below example postures, try saying: 

    Wrists – Crow Pose: “as you lean forward grip your fingers in to your mat until you feel the muscles of your forearm engage. These are your wrist flexors” 

    Spine – Cat: “press yours hands in to your mat as you straighten your arms rounding your back to flex your spine” 

    Shoulder – Upward Salute: “reach your arms up and overhead to the sky until you feel your shoulders lift toward your ears”  

    Hips – Seated Wide-Leg Leg Lifts: “pull your thigh to your stomach as you lift the leg, feeling your hip flexor muscles fire up”  

    FOR CHROMATIC STUDENTS:

    As a practitioner of Chromatic Yoga you may hear these as well as many other PTL’s in Chromatic Classes around the world. You can also practice these yourselves within any yoga class without the guidance of a teacher.

    CHROMATIC TEACHERS:

    Let’s see what you come up with this month. What peak postures will you be using? After you teach your class, share in our Global WhatsApp Group which layering postures worked best for you, which did you find students struggled with? We look forward to our collective collaboration to offer top level yoga experiences world wide.

    FINAL THOUGHTS ON flexion

    While flexion may not look as expansive or dramatic as extension, it’s foundational to your mobility, stability, and functional strength. From folding forward to lifting a leg or stabilizing a joint, flexion allows you to draw in – physically, mentally and emotionally – and create powerful, conscious movement. It offers a chance to move inward with strength, clarity, and control.

    As you move through each week, notice where flexion feels easeful or effortful. Pay attention to the balance between strength and mobility, and see how cultivating this often-overlooked action can bring more clarity and depth to your practice. With awareness and intentional practice, flexion becomes not just a direction—but a dynamic way to build resilience, stability, and deeper embodiment.

    Chromatic Yoga is a global community. No matter where you are in the world, we hope you’ll join us this July for a deep dive into the vast possibilities of flexion available in your body. Share and tag your poses on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram if you don’t already for all the updates! 

     

    Wishing you an intentional and transformative practice, 

    ~Simon Darroch

    Chromatic Blogs & Through-Lines

    July 2025

    July 2025

    WELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES Hey all - it's Simon here from Chromatic Yoga. For the past five years, I’ve been diving deep into the system of Chromatic Yoga with Matt Giordano, and it’s completely transformed not just how I feel in my practice, but how I approach...

    read more
    June 2025

    June 2025

    extensionWELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES Hey all - it's Simon here with Chromatic Yoga. For the past five years, I’ve been diving deep into the system of Chromatic Yoga with Matt Giordano, and it’s completely transformed not just how I practice, but how I teach....

    read more
    March-2025

    March-2025

    The Shoulder Blades aka the scapulae  WELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES Hey Chromatic Crew - Patrick here again  We’ve been on an incredible journey together these past three months, diving deep into the body with our Monthly Through-Lines—exploring everything...

    read more
    Chromatic Monthly Through line

    Chromatic Monthly Through line

    HIPSWELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES Hey all - I'm Patrick here with Chromatic Yoga. I've been studying with Matt Giordano (founder of Chromatic Yoga) for 5 years and have seen my yoga practice blossom into something magnificent using the Chromatic framework. I've...

    read more
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    Resillience: Living a Happier Life with Yoga

    Living a happier life through the practice of Yoga Element: Earth in Fire or Air in Fire Resilience is the ability to stay calm during crisis and to be capable of acting competently and well-considered instead of emotionally driven. In terms of the elements that means...

    read more
    Gratitude for Our Roots: Stronger Together by Genell Huston

    Gratitude for Our Roots: Stronger Together by Genell Huston

    Many traditions over time have spoken to the veils being thinner this time of year. The space between our dense tangible bodies to the formless self becomes less, and therefore, lies an offering to deepen connection. We can lean into this time and steep deeper into...

    read more
    June 2025

    June 2025

    Monthly Through Line: June 2025

    extension

    WELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES

    Hey all – it’s Simon here with Chromatic Yoga.

    For the past five years, I’ve been diving deep into the system of Chromatic Yoga with Matt Giordano, and it’s completely transformed not just how I practice, but how I teach. Using the step-by-step progressive methodology of Chromatic Yoga has brought so much clarity and purpose to my classes, and it’s given me a new level of confidence in guiding students toward higher levels of body awareness and improved strength and flexibility.

    If you’re anything like me, you’re probably a bit of an anatomy nerd who lights up at the mention of biomechanics (or yoga philosophy). It’s a passion – but with the sheer volume of information out there and the complexity of the human body, it can feel overwhelming at times. That’s why I love the structure and depth Chromatic Yoga offers – it helps cut through the noise and bring everything together in a way that truly supports both teacher and student.

    That’s why we’re rolling out CHROMATIC MONTHLY THROUGH LINES

    In Chromatic Yoga, we keep things straightforward. That’s why we’ve launched this latest community initiative. It’s designed to help you focus and intelligently design your classes to best support your students, if you’re a teacher. If you’re just here to practice, that’s great too. You’ll be able to apply these through-lines to gain more insight in to body biomechanics and potentially access the poses you’ve always wanted to do but perhaps haven’t gotten yet. 

    How it Works:

    1. On the first of every month, we announce the Chromatic Monthly Through-Line. We zoom in on one body part and explore all the ways it affects our yoga practice throughout the month.
    2. We highlight a Physical Through Line (PTL) you can incorporate into your classes each week, along with pose suggestions and cueing techniques.
      • WHAT IS A PHYSICAL THROUGH LINE? 

      • A Physical Through Line is a term we use in Chromatic Yoga that is defined by the muscle engagement, or joint action that we focus on through the duration of the yoga class. Certified Chromatic Teachers construct their classes around a PTL (Physical Through Line) in order to create a more effective learning environments for students. As a student you can expect that each Chromatic class will include a PTL. Of course, you will do other postures and other muscle engagements within a Chromatic class, however there is a strong emphasis on the PTL.

    3. Share how you’ve used the PTL by tagging us on IG and in our Global WhatsApp Group! 

      For June, the Chromatic Monthly Through-Line will be (drumroll, please…)

      The Power of Extension!

      Imagine moving through your yoga practice without ever lengthening your spine, opening your shoulders, or engaging your back leg. It would feel incomplete, unbalanced, maybe even a little stuck. That’s where extension comes in.

      Extension is one of the most important yet underappreciated actions in the body. It’s the antidote to our flexion-heavy lifestyles – sitting, slouching, scrolling. Biomechanically, extension refers to an increase in the angle between body parts – often moving a limb or the spine backward in space. But in the context of yoga, extension is more than a movement – it’s an opening, a reawakening, a return to uprightness and vitality.

      This month, we explore how extension shows up in different parts of the body – and how learning to use it with intention can bring clarity, strength, and balance to your practice.


      Week 1: Spinal Extension – Reclaiming Length and Lift

      We start at the center – your spine. Spinal extension is the action of drawing the spine into a longer, more upright or even back-bending shape. It’s what happens in poses like Cobra, Upward Facing Dog, and Camel.

      In a world that encourages constant forward rounding, bringing mindful extension into the spine can feel like a relief and a revelation. We’ll explore how spinal extension isn’t just about bending backward – it’s about creating space between vertebrae, engaging spinal muscles (like the erector spinae), and using the breath to lift and expand from within.

      Expect to tune into alignment and nuance: when to engage, when to soften, and how to use your core to support the curve without compression.


      Week 2: Shoulder Extension – Strengthening the Often-Neglected Back Line

      When we think of shoulder mobility, we often go straight to overhead movements – flexion – but shoulder extension plays a vital role in balance and strength.

      Shoulder extension occurs when the arms move behind the body. Think Locust Pose, Reverse Tabletop, or clasping hands behind your back in a Humble Warrior. These actions strengthen the posterior deltoids, triceps, and upper back, supporting posture and shoulder stability.

      This week, we’ll tap into this underused range of motion to open the chest, reinforce the back line, and develop a more complete understanding of shoulder health – especially in relation to transitions, binds, and backbends.


      Week 3: Hip Extension – Powering the Back Body

      By week three, we return to the familiar territory of the hips – this time through the lens of extension.

      Hip extension occurs when the thigh moves behind the pelvis, as in the back leg of Crescent Lunge, Warrior III, or Dancer Pose. It’s a crucial action for walking, running, and most standing yoga poses.

      This week, we’ll explore how to activate the glutes and hamstrings without losing spinal integrity, how to stabilize the pelvis, and how to pair hip extension with strength and softness. You’ll learn how this action not only enhances your physical practice but also balances the forward-folding, hip-flexing movements we do so often on and off the mat.


      Week 4: Knee Extension – Finding Support and Strength

      Finally, we land in the knees – a joint that often goes unnoticed. Knee extension is the action of straightening the leg, as seen in Tadasana, Triangle Pose, and other standing balance poses.

      This week, we’ll look at the subtleties of extending the knee with intention. It’s not about locking or hyperextending, but rather finding the muscular engagement – especially through the quadriceps and surrounding stabilizers – that supports joint health and long-term mobility.

      You’ll explore how proper knee extension can support standing balance, improve leg strength, and create more ease in transitions between poses.

      Simon’s RECAP AND TOP TIPS

      Peak Postures to CONSIDER for extension:

      Week 1 Spine: Cobra, Bridge, Bow, Wheel, Wild Thing, Camel, Upward Facing Dog – MONDAY, JUNE 2

      Week 2 Shoulder: Locust, Bow, Sugar Cane, Airplane, All 4’s/Table Top, Reverse Plank  – MONDAY, JUNE 9

      Week 3 Hip: Warrior 3, Dancers, Low/High Lunge (back leg focus or front leg focus depending on your focused action)  – MONDAY, JUNE 16

      Week 4 Knee: Standing Hand to Big Toe, Triangle, Mountain – MONDAY, JUNE 23

      FOR TEACHER’s: VERBAL CUE’S

      For the following actions of Extension, in the below example postures, try saying:

      Spine – Cobra: “feel the muscles of your erector spinae engage as your chest lifts forward and up”

      Shoulder – All 4’s/Table Top: “with your hands gripping in to your mat, pull them toward your knees as if you are trying to straighten them”

      Hips – Dancers: “squeeze through the gluteus muscle of the lifted leg to raise the leg higher”

      Knee – Tadasana: “actively press your feet in to your mat as if you are trying to stand up straighter”

      FOR CHROMATIC STUDENTS:

      As a practitioner of Chromatic Yoga you can of course expect to experience these PTL’s in Chromatic Classes around the world. You can also practice these yourselves within any yoga class without the guidance of a teacher.

      CHROMATIC TEACHERS:

      Let’s see what you come up with this month. What peak postures will you be using? After you teach your class, share in our Global WhatsApp Group which layering postures worked best for you, which did you find students struggled with? We look forward to our collective collaboration to offer top level yoga experiences world wide.

      Final Thoughts on extension

      Extension is more than just a shape – it’s a shift in awareness, an opening to potential. Whether you’re lengthening your spine, engaging your glutes, or lifting through your heart, these actions help you create balance between strength and space, effort and ease.

      As we move through each week, notice where Extension feels unfamiliar, powerful, or even emotional. Bring curiosity, and let your practice reveal what’s ready to lengthen, strengthen, and unfold.

      Chromatic Yoga is a global community. No matter where you are in the world, we hope you’ll join us this June for a deep dive into the vast possibilities of Extension available in your body. Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Instagram for all the updates!

       

      Wishing you an intentional and heartfelt practice,

      ~Simon Darroch

       

       

      Chromatic Blogs & Through-Lines

      July 2025

      July 2025

      WELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES Hey all - it's Simon here from Chromatic Yoga. For the past five years, I’ve been diving deep into the system of Chromatic Yoga with Matt Giordano, and it’s completely transformed not just how I feel in my practice, but how I approach...

      read more
      June 2025

      June 2025

      extensionWELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES Hey all - it's Simon here with Chromatic Yoga. For the past five years, I’ve been diving deep into the system of Chromatic Yoga with Matt Giordano, and it’s completely transformed not just how I practice, but how I teach....

      read more
      March-2025

      March-2025

      The Shoulder Blades aka the scapulae  WELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES Hey Chromatic Crew - Patrick here again  We’ve been on an incredible journey together these past three months, diving deep into the body with our Monthly Through-Lines—exploring everything...

      read more
      Chromatic Monthly Through line

      Chromatic Monthly Through line

      HIPSWELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES Hey all - I'm Patrick here with Chromatic Yoga. I've been studying with Matt Giordano (founder of Chromatic Yoga) for 5 years and have seen my yoga practice blossom into something magnificent using the Chromatic framework. I've...

      read more
      Resillience: Living a Happier Life with Yoga

      Resillience: Living a Happier Life with Yoga

      Living a happier life through the practice of Yoga Element: Earth in Fire or Air in Fire Resilience is the ability to stay calm during crisis and to be capable of acting competently and well-considered instead of emotionally driven. In terms of the elements that means...

      read more
      Gratitude for Our Roots: Stronger Together by Genell Huston

      Gratitude for Our Roots: Stronger Together by Genell Huston

      Many traditions over time have spoken to the veils being thinner this time of year. The space between our dense tangible bodies to the formless self becomes less, and therefore, lies an offering to deepen connection. We can lean into this time and steep deeper into...

      read more

      March-2025

      March-2025

      Monthly Through Line: April 2025

      The Shoulder Blades aka the scapulae

       

      WELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES

      Hey Chromatic Crew – Patrick here again 
      We’ve been on an incredible journey together these past three months, diving deep into the body with our Monthly Through-Lines—exploring everything from the hips to the spine. You’ve shown up with such passion, and I’m beyond thrilled to keep the momentum going with a fresh focus for April. Get ready to zoom in on a part of your body that’s a game-changer for your practice and daily movement—the shoulder blades!
      For April, the Chromatic Monthly Through-Line will be (drumroll, please…)

      SHOULDER BLADES!

      Imagine doing yoga without considering your shoulder blades. Impossible, right? You know poses like Plank and Cobra, which rely on how your shoulder blades move to stabilize or open your chest…
      But what about protraction, retraction, upward rotation, and anterior tilt?
      The shoulder blades are crucial for your practice, from arm balances to backbends. They can transform your practice, whether you’re building shoulder stability, improving posture, or moving with more ease.
      Here’s our map for the month:
      • Week 1: Protraction – Shoulder blades spread apart, like in Plank or Child’s Pose.
      • Week 2: Retraction – Shoulder blades draw together, like in Cobra or Locust Pose.
      • Week 3: Upward Rotation – Shoulder blades lift and rotate outward, like in Down Dog or Warrior I.
      • Week 4: Anterior Tilt – Top of the shoulder blades tips forward, like in Thread the Needle or Chaturanga prep.
      Chromatic Yoga is a global community. No matter where you are in the world, we hope you’ll join us this April for a deep dive into the Shoulder Blades. Share your journey by tagging us on IG and in our Global WhatsApp Group—we can’t wait to repost your shares!

       

         

        PATRICK’S TOP TIPS

        PEAK POSTURES TO USE:
        • Protraction: Plank, Chaturanga, Child’s Pose – MONDAY, APRIL 7
        • Retraction: Cobra, Locust, Bow – MONDAY, APRIL 14
        • Upward Rotation: Downward Dog, Warrior I, Handstand – MONDAY, APRIL 21
        • Anterior Tilt: Thread the Needle, Chaturanga Prep, Low Push-Up – MONDAY, APRIL 28
        FOR TEACHERS: VERBAL CUES
        • Protraction: Instead of saying “spread your shoulder blades,” try: “Push your hands into the mat to spread your shoulder blades apart until you feel your serratus anterior engage.”
        • Retraction: Instead of saying “squeeze your shoulder blades,” try: “Draw your shoulder blades toward your spine until you feel your rhomboids turn on.”
        • Upward Rotation: Instead of saying “lift your arms,” try: “Reach your arms overhead to lift your shoulder blades outward until you feel your trapezius kick in.”
        • Anterior Tilt: Instead of saying “press down,” try: “Lower your chest toward the ground until you feel your pectoralis minor turn on.”

        FOR CHROMATIC STUDENTS:

        As a practitioner of Chromatic Yoga you can of course expect to experience these PTL’s in Chromatic Classes around the world. You can also practice these within any yoga class without the guidance of a teacher. For example, within a vinyasa class you can try squeezing your feet toward each other throughout the standing posture sequence and observe what that creates for your practice.

        CHROMATIC TEACHERS:

        Let’s see what you come up with this month. What peak postures will you be using? After you teach your class, share in our Global Facebook Group which layering postures worked best for you, which did you find students struggled with? We look forward to our collective collaboration to offer top level yoga experiences world wide.

        ~Patrick Heffernan

         

        Chromatic Blogs & Through-Lines

        July 2025

        July 2025

        WELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES Hey all - it's Simon here from Chromatic Yoga. For the past five years, I’ve been diving deep into the system of Chromatic Yoga with Matt Giordano, and it’s completely transformed not just how I feel in my practice, but how I approach...

        read more
        June 2025

        June 2025

        extensionWELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES Hey all - it's Simon here with Chromatic Yoga. For the past five years, I’ve been diving deep into the system of Chromatic Yoga with Matt Giordano, and it’s completely transformed not just how I practice, but how I teach....

        read more
        March-2025

        March-2025

        The Shoulder Blades aka the scapulae  WELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES Hey Chromatic Crew - Patrick here again  We’ve been on an incredible journey together these past three months, diving deep into the body with our Monthly Through-Lines—exploring everything...

        read more
        Chromatic Monthly Through line

        Chromatic Monthly Through line

        HIPSWELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES Hey all - I'm Patrick here with Chromatic Yoga. I've been studying with Matt Giordano (founder of Chromatic Yoga) for 5 years and have seen my yoga practice blossom into something magnificent using the Chromatic framework. I've...

        read more
        Resillience: Living a Happier Life with Yoga

        Resillience: Living a Happier Life with Yoga

        Living a happier life through the practice of Yoga Element: Earth in Fire or Air in Fire Resilience is the ability to stay calm during crisis and to be capable of acting competently and well-considered instead of emotionally driven. In terms of the elements that means...

        read more
        Gratitude for Our Roots: Stronger Together by Genell Huston

        Gratitude for Our Roots: Stronger Together by Genell Huston

        Many traditions over time have spoken to the veils being thinner this time of year. The space between our dense tangible bodies to the formless self becomes less, and therefore, lies an offering to deepen connection. We can lean into this time and steep deeper into...

        read more
        Chromatic Monthly Through line

        Chromatic Monthly Through line

        Monthly Through Line: February 2025

        HIPS

        WELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES

        Hey all – I’m Patrick here with Chromatic Yoga.

        I’ve been studying with Matt Giordano (founder of Chromatic Yoga) for 5 years and have seen my yoga practice blossom into something magnificent using the Chromatic framework. I’ve also gained incredible confidence and intelligence in my ability to lead my students as their yoga teacher.

        If you’re like me, you’re a self-proclaimed anatomy geek who loves all things yoga. It’s great, but with so much information out there and the complexity of the human body and yoga poses, it can be overwhelming.

        That’s why we’re rolling out CHROMATIC MONTHLY THROUGH LINES

        In Chromatic Yoga, we keep things straightforward. That’s why we’ve launched this latest community initiative. It’s designed to help you focus and intelligently design your classes to best support your students, if you’re a teacher. If you’re just here to practice, that’s great too. You’ll be able to apply these through-lines to access the poses you’ve always wanted to do but for whatever reason haven’t gotten yet. 

        How it Works:

        1. On the first of every month, we announce the Chromatic Monthly Through-Line. We zoom in on one body part and explore all the ways it affects our yoga practice throughout the month.
        2. We highlight a Physical Through Line (PTL) you can incorporate into your classes each week, along with pose suggestions and cueing techniques.
          • WHAT IS A PHYSICAL THROUGH LINE? 

          • A Physical Through Line is a term we use in Chromatic Yoga that is defined by the muscle engagement, or joint action that we focus on through the duration of the yoga class. Certified Chromatic Teachers construct their classes around a PTL (Physical Through Line) in order to create a more effective learning environments for students. As a student you can expect that each Chromatic class will include a PTL. Of course, you will do other postures and other muscle engagements within a Chromatic class, however there is a strong emphasis on the PTL.

        3. Share how you’ve used the PTL by tagging us on IG and in our Global WhatsApp Group! 

          For February, the Chromatic Monthly Through-Line will be (drumroll, please…)

          HIPS!

          Imagine doing yoga without considering your hips. Impossible, right? You know hip openers like pigeon and figure four, which deepen your external rotation….

          But what about hip abduction, adduction, flexion, and extension? 

          The hips are crucial for your practice, from standing pose stability to seated pose flexibility. They can transform your practice, whether you’re easing lower back pain, enhancing balance, or moving with more grace.

          Here’s our map for the month:

          1. Week 1: Adduction – Thighs move toward the midline
          2. Week 2 Abduction – Thighs move away from the midline
          3. Week 3: Hip Flexion – Thighs move toward front of the torso like they do in Childs pose or boat pose
          4. Week 4: Hip Extension – Thighs move away from the front and toward back body like the back leg of Dancer Pose.

          Chromatic Yoga is a global community. No matter where you are in the world, we hope you’ll join us this February for a deep dive into the Hips. Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Instagram for all the updates!

           

             

            PATRICK’S TOP TIPS

            Peak Postures to use:

            Adduction: Frog, Wide Legged Forward Fold, Crow – COMING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3

            Abduction: Half Moon,Extended Hand to Big Toe (standing leg), Eagle (standing leg) – MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10

            Hip Flexion: Hanuman (Balancing Action of Back Leg) – MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17

            Hip Extension: Full Wheel, Warrior 3 – MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24

            FOR TEACHER’s: VERBAL CUE’S

            For “Adduction” instead of saying “squeeze your inner thighs, try saying “Pull your feet toward each other until you feel your inner thighs engage”

            FOR CHROMATIC STUDENTS:

            As a practitioner of Chromatic Yoga you can of course expect to experience these PTL’s in Chromatic Classes around the world. You can also practice these within any yoga class without the guidance of a teacher. For example, within a vinyasa class you can try squeezing your feet toward each other throughout the standing posture sequence and observe what that creates for your practice.

            CHROMATIC TEACHERS:

            Let’s see what you come up with this month. What peak postures will you be using? After you teach your class, share in our Global WhatsApp Group which layering postures worked best for you, which did you find students struggled with? We look forward to our collective collaboration to offer top level yoga experiences world wide.

            ~Patrick Heffernan

             

            Chromatic Blogs & Through-Lines

            July 2025

            July 2025

            WELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES Hey all - it's Simon here from Chromatic Yoga. For the past five years, I’ve been diving deep into the system of Chromatic Yoga with Matt Giordano, and it’s completely transformed not just how I feel in my practice, but how I approach...

            read more
            June 2025

            June 2025

            extensionWELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES Hey all - it's Simon here with Chromatic Yoga. For the past five years, I’ve been diving deep into the system of Chromatic Yoga with Matt Giordano, and it’s completely transformed not just how I practice, but how I teach....

            read more
            March-2025

            March-2025

            The Shoulder Blades aka the scapulae  WELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES Hey Chromatic Crew - Patrick here again  We’ve been on an incredible journey together these past three months, diving deep into the body with our Monthly Through-Lines—exploring everything...

            read more
            Chromatic Monthly Through line

            Chromatic Monthly Through line

            HIPSWELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES Hey all - I'm Patrick here with Chromatic Yoga. I've been studying with Matt Giordano (founder of Chromatic Yoga) for 5 years and have seen my yoga practice blossom into something magnificent using the Chromatic framework. I've...

            read more
            Resillience: Living a Happier Life with Yoga

            Resillience: Living a Happier Life with Yoga

            Living a happier life through the practice of Yoga Element: Earth in Fire or Air in Fire Resilience is the ability to stay calm during crisis and to be capable of acting competently and well-considered instead of emotionally driven. In terms of the elements that means...

            read more
            Gratitude for Our Roots: Stronger Together by Genell Huston

            Gratitude for Our Roots: Stronger Together by Genell Huston

            Many traditions over time have spoken to the veils being thinner this time of year. The space between our dense tangible bodies to the formless self becomes less, and therefore, lies an offering to deepen connection. We can lean into this time and steep deeper into...

            read more
            Resillience: Living a Happier Life with Yoga

            Resillience: Living a Happier Life with Yoga

            Living a happier life through the practice of Yoga

            Element: Earth in Fire or Air in Fire

            Resilience is the ability to stay calm during crisis and to be capable of acting competently and well-considered instead of emotionally driven. In terms of the elements that means that one is able to stay connected to the earth even if one´s thrown into fire by life or to develop a sense of ease and joy – air – in these intense periods of time. The good news is: We can learn resilience! This is due to the amazing capability of our brain to change, which in neurosciences is called “neuroplasticity”. That means that almost like a muscle, we can train certain patterns in our brain we want to grow bigger, while not training those patterns which don´t serve us, e.g. being reactive or stressed out by challenges.
            So if we want to live a more happy and fulfilled life and to stay connected to a sense of deep joy even facing challenges, we need to train – metaphorically speaking – the “happiness muscle” in our brain. The more often we intentionally decide to be happy by focusing on the positive experiences right now, the more often our brain will let us experience happiness! 
            This is where the yoga practice comes in: Try to concentrate in every asana on what feels great right now and develop a feeling of happiness about it. 
            That will set you on the path towards becoming a more resilient person, meaning with practice, your brain will naturally choose this option of happiness, even in situations facing challenges. 

            Connect with Johanna

            Instagram @johannayoga
            July 2025

            July 2025

            WELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES Hey all - it's Simon here from Chromatic Yoga. For the past five years, I’ve been diving deep into the system of Chromatic Yoga with Matt Giordano, and it’s completely transformed not just how I feel in my practice, but how I approach...

            read more
            June 2025

            June 2025

            extensionWELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES Hey all - it's Simon here with Chromatic Yoga. For the past five years, I’ve been diving deep into the system of Chromatic Yoga with Matt Giordano, and it’s completely transformed not just how I practice, but how I teach....

            read more
            March-2025

            March-2025

            The Shoulder Blades aka the scapulae  WELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES Hey Chromatic Crew - Patrick here again  We’ve been on an incredible journey together these past three months, diving deep into the body with our Monthly Through-Lines—exploring everything...

            read more
            Chromatic Monthly Through line

            Chromatic Monthly Through line

            HIPSWELCOME TO MONTHLY THROUGH LINES Hey all - I'm Patrick here with Chromatic Yoga. I've been studying with Matt Giordano (founder of Chromatic Yoga) for 5 years and have seen my yoga practice blossom into something magnificent using the Chromatic framework. I've...

            read more
            Resillience: Living a Happier Life with Yoga

            Resillience: Living a Happier Life with Yoga

            Living a happier life through the practice of Yoga Element: Earth in Fire or Air in Fire Resilience is the ability to stay calm during crisis and to be capable of acting competently and well-considered instead of emotionally driven. In terms of the elements that means...

            read more
            Gratitude for Our Roots: Stronger Together by Genell Huston

            Gratitude for Our Roots: Stronger Together by Genell Huston

            Many traditions over time have spoken to the veils being thinner this time of year. The space between our dense tangible bodies to the formless self becomes less, and therefore, lies an offering to deepen connection. We can lean into this time and steep deeper into...

            read more