welcome

What is viniyoga // About the lineage // About the studio // About Briana

what is viniyoga?

Viniyoga is a term given by T. Krisnamacharya to his son, TKV Desikachar, to name an orientation to practice that is adapted to the
unique interests and needs of the individual, and progresses toward a clear goal, over time.

A Sanskrit word, Viniyoga translates to “appropriate application”.
A wise teacher in the tradition once shared, Yoga can be a like a
life raft, bringing us back to level in a time of trouble; or, yoga can be a catapault, launching you toward transformation and your most
authentic self, once the base is stable. Viniyoga has tools for both.

//about
the lineage

Passed down through the lineage of T Krishnamacharya and his son, TKV Desikachar, Viniyoga is a comprehensive transmission of authentic teachings of Yoga.

Krisnamacharya studied and lived with Rāmamohana Brahmacāri , a 19th Century yogi, in a cave near Muktinatha, Nepal. These teachings have been passed from teacher to student, dating back to a time before records, in an oral tradition. The mentor relationship remains an important part of the Viniyoga lineage.

Often called "the Father of Modern Yoga", other notable and influential personal students of T. Krisnamacharya include BKS Iyengar, Patthabi Jois, and Indra Devi.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, The Vedas, The Upanishads, The Bhagavad Gita, and Hatha Yoga Pradipika are some of the texts from which the Viniyoga lineage is rooted.

You can learn
more about
T. Krisnamacharya,
his work and this
lineage here.

//about
the studio

Established in 2013, True Nature offers private therapy, small group classes, and mentoring in the Viniyoga tradition.
The studio is located in the town of Rio Vista, in the California Delta, just a little up river of The San Francisco Bay.
We honor the lineage and culture from which these practices developed and strive to hold an inclusive space, true to the teachings, where all who make a genuine commitment to practice are welcome.
Previously a gallery space, the studio still hosts occasional workshops and special events.

We work with clients both in-person and remotely.

//About Briana

True Nature small group classes and private sessions are led by Briana Soladay.

Practicing as a Yoga Therapist, certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists, I also hold a Masters in Counseling Psychology (MFT & LPCC) and am licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist. A link in the chain of the authentic transmission of yoga, I practice and teach in the lineage of T. Krishnamacharya and T.K.V. Desikachar, known as Viniyoga. A personal student of Chase Bossart and Gary Kraftsow, I've also studied in the lineage with Dolphi Wertenbaker, Amy Wheeler, Dawn Summers, and Leslie Kaminoff.

In addition to therapy and teaching, my professional background includes working as a conceptual artist. The root of these three callings is one and the same: cultivating the space to have a moment of perspective- to stop, take a breath, feel the feet on the ground and become aware- these moments bring us into connection with ourselves and others, and I've devoted my life's work to that.