11.03.2017

Half Primary

5:00am – 7:00am

Led class of abridged version of Ashtanga’s Primary Series. This practice is taught with traditional vinyasa count as it sets the pace for dynamic, energetic practice. In led classes, we learn about “cleaning up” our Mysore practice. It combines deep, audible breathing (ujjayi), bandhas (internal energy locks) and drishti (visual focal points) in specific sequences of asanas linked by breath. This is a challenging and evenly-paced class that is great for all levels./

11.04.2017

Mysore Style

6:00am – 8:00am

The Ashtanga Yoga method is built around the ‘Mysore Style’ class, so named because yoga was taught this way by Shri K. Pattabhi Jois, in Mysore, India, and continues to be taught this way in traditional Ashtanga Yoga schools around the world. In Mysore Class, the student is taught a sequence of postures through one-on-one instruction. The correct movements, breathing, and other aspects of the practice are learned gradually, in a step-by-step process accessible to anyone. This method allows each student time to practice and memorize what they have learned before adding more. Students are able to practice independently and at their own pace while surrounded by the energy and inspiration of other students in the room. The teacher is able to work with each student individually.

Three Pillars of Practice -Breath, Posture (bandhas), Dristi

1:00pm – 3:30pm

The Ashtanga method revolves around the tristana method, which is breath, posture (bandhas), and dristi. These 3 key elements are the 3 pillars of which a strong, graceful practice is built upon. Without a solid foundation in place, it will be challenging to appreciate the deeper teachings of this practice. Bandhas simultaneously affect the physical, pranic, mental, psychic and causal bodies. Regulating the breathing stabilizes the mind and makes it firm, which in turns directs the mind towards the “Inner Self”. Drist directs the mind from the external to the internal, both practical and spiritual. a practical reason to gaze at one point instead of letting our eyes bounce around the room is to help us perform the asana safely and effectively. The root word implies that the act of seeing includes the light of spiritual understanding. It becomes more than just a tool for balance and alignment, it is the gateway into the spiritual aspect of the practice.

11.05.2017

Mysore Style

6:00am – 8:00am

The Ashtanga Yoga method is built around the ‘Mysore Style’ class, so named because yoga was taught this way by Shri K. Pattabhi Jois, in Mysore, India, and continues to be taught this way in traditional Ashtanga Yoga schools around the world. In Mysore Class, the student is taught a sequence of postures through one-on-one instruction. The correct movements, breathing, and other aspects of the practice are learned gradually, in a step-by-step process accessible to anyone. This method allows each student time to practice and memorize what they have learned before adding more. Students are able to practice independently and at their own pace while surrounded by the energy and inspiration of other students in the room. The teacher is able to work with each student individually.

Backbends are Awesome!

1:00pm – 3:30pm

The term “back bending” is often misleading as there are so many different components of the body that are working, not just the “back or spine.” A precise back bending practice is challenging because a heightened sense of bodily awareness is required to access the appropriate muscle groups to work efficiently in backbends. In this workshop, we’ll spend some time exploring the anatomy of the spine and its main function in back bending. Reframing the conversation in our “heads and bodies” by creating a healthy imprint. Develop more awareness around our shoulders and hips which are key to a “feel good” backbend. We’ll touch on postures throughout the Primary Series that are the building blocks to understanding how to approach your backbends with a good attitude.