Showing posts with label jessica walden. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jessica walden. Show all posts

Jul 24, 2014

Ashtanga Yoga Drishti 101

"Dṛṣṭi means gazing point. There are nine dṛṣṭis in the āsana practice. If the dṛṣṭi indicated for the āsana is too difficult, one may always revert to nāsāgra dṛṣṭi. With time and practice, the proper dṛṣṭi for each posture will be possible. Dṛṣṭi improves concentration and brings about a realization of oneness during the practice. With the gaze focused in one place during our practice, we can be more present in the postures. This focus and awareness can carry over into our daily life."
~ Sharath Jois

"By practicing these drishti (dṛṣṭi) points the mind no longer looks around, observing or judging, but instead becomes focused and soft. In the vinyasa system, drishti is one of the vital components to draw prana inwards. Prana follows awareness. If our awareness is scattered then our prana will mirror those same qualities and it will be evident in our behavior and life choices on and off the mat."
~ Magnolia Zuniga

The 9 Drishtis
1 - Tip of the nose - Nasagra Drishti
2 - Up to space - Urdva Drishti
3 - Third Eye - Brumadya Drishti
4 - Tip of the middle finger - Hastagra Drishti
5 - Tip of the thumb - Angushta Drishti
6 - Right Side - Parshva Drishti
7 - Left Side - Parshva Drishti
8 - Navel - Nabi Drishti
9 - Tip of the big toe - Padagra Drishti

Guruji: "Yoga is an internal practice, the rest is just a circus".

Credits, References, Notes:
Please consult your teacher regarding correct drishti. For ease in reading for non-Sanskrit speakers, we have chosen to spell sanskrit words phonetically rather than using diacritic marks.

R. Sharath Jois, AṢṬĀṄGA YOGA ANUṢṬHĀNA.
Magnolia Zuniga (KPJAYI Authorized, Mysore SF) http://on.fb.me/17EBEyF

Awesome Editor: Jessica Walden (KPJAYI Authorized) and Elise Espat (KPJAYI Authorized, Albuquerque Ashtanga Yoga Shala)
Cartoon guy: Boonchu Tanti (KPJAYI Authorized, AYBKK)

Jul 4, 2013

Yoga Comics : Mysore-Style



Via The Yoga Comics:
"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 main teacher and assistants are able to work with each student individually. Initially, students may require more attention, but as they become proficient in their practice, they are allowed more independence, receiving adjustments and assistance only when required." -Jois Yoga



Editors: Jessica Walden and Elise Espat
Cartoon guy: Boonchu Tanti

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May 29, 2013

Vinyasa

Vinyasa:
“To begin the practice of yoga, an aspirant should first do the Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutations), and then proceed to the asanas. The Surya Namaskara and the asanas must be practiced in the correct sequence and follow the method of vinyasa. If they are not, or the movement of rechaka and puraka is neglected, no part of the body will become strong, the subtle nadis will not be purified, and, owing to the resulting imbalance, the body, sense organs, mind, and intellect will not develop. They may even become further imbalanced. 

If the asanas and the Surya Namaskara are to be practiced, they must be done so in accordance with the prescribed vinyasa method only. As the sage Vamana says, ‘Vina vinyasa yogena asanadin na karayet (O yogi, do not do asana without vinyasa).’ When yoga is practiced with a knowledge of its proper method, it is quite easy to learn, but practiced without such knowledge, it becomes a very difficult undertaking, Therefore, aspirants should not forget to learn the method of vinyasa, as well as of rechaka and puraka, and to follow it in their practice.”

From Yoga Mala (Sri K.Pattabhi Jois)
“Vinyasa” means breath-synchronized movement or the marriage between the breath and the movement. By practicing the vinyasa system, an intense internal heat is produced that purifies muscles and organs, expelling unwanted toxins, and increases the circulation. The balance between breath and movement eventually brings balance to the practice, creates a balance of strength and flexibility, and encourages the practice to become a moving meditation. The vinyasa is carried out after nearly every asana during the practice and aside from bringing balance to the body and mind, it brings the body back to a neutral position before starting the next posture. The vinyasa always begins and ends the journey, wiping the slate clean to begin again.

Apr 8, 2013

Yoga Comics: Isvara Pranidhana


 
"Awaken isvara pranidhana...especially when Sharath is counting soooo slooooowly during these three postures. Surrender and feel the inner strength expand (even as the outer strength diminishes)."

Isvara pranidhana means surrendering to the supreme soul, or worshipping God. Isvara is the purest form of the soul, not unlike samadhi. Once you surrender to isvara, to the divine, there will be no delusions. The yoga practice is a spiritual practice - not just doing exercise - it is striving to attain spiritual knowledge. First you surrender to the guru, then to the teachings. Only then will isvara pranidhana come. The more you think of God, the more you become attached to the divine, providing inner strength to deal with the uncertainties of life and with samsara.

Via The Yoga Comics

Mar 27, 2013

Santosha & The Family Scooter



Since this is the last weekend of the Mysore season, we dedicate this comic to those of you who are still in Mysore, packing up your trunks, visiting the Temple one more time, having your last Mysore dosa and practice in the Shala. We hope you enjoy this comic. Say goodbye to that amazing place for us too. Until next time…

Title: Mysore ride on family scooter.

Story: My kids' favorite part about living in India was getting to ride on the "family scooter".  Sometimes we would drive to the swimming pool across town and pile on the scooter with all of our floaties, swimsuits, picnic basket, and change of clothes, and we would all manage to fit. What's more, sometimes we could drive across town, beeping and swerving around vehicles and animals, without stopping once! It was pure freedom.

Wealth cannot be measured by the size and power of the 'Family Wagon'. It can be measured by the size and magnitude of the smiles on the passengers.

Santosha (contentment) is one of the niyamas. It means the knowing the peace that is already inside, and, at the same time, feeling unity with something much greater than ourselves.


via The Yoga Comics and Ashtanga Illustrations by Boonchu

Mar 18, 2013

Satya (The Yoga Comics)

Many times on our walks, complete strangers will come up to us, scoop up Maple, and kiss her on the mouth... Maple will lick their lips and they love it! I think it is so gross because I know exactly where her mouth has been... her privates, cat poop, garbage, dead birds. I don't encourage the kissing and I think about stopping them, but they are just so happy sharing the love.

Satya -- speak the truth but only if it is sweet.

Satya means "to speak the truth," yet it is not always desirable to speak the truth if it harms someone unnecessarily. If speaking the truth has negative consequences for another, then it is better to say nothing. The Mahabharata says: "Speak the truth which is pleasant."

Story by: Elise Espat
Edited by: Jessica Walden
Cartoonist: Boonchu Tanti, Ashtanga Illustrations by Boonchu

Feb 10, 2013

The Yoga Comics

Have you seen The Yoga Comics?  This new project created by Boonchu Tanti is all about the real-life humor that goes along with being an 8-limb householder.  Check out The Yoga Comics facebook page for new stories.  There might even be one by me in the near future :) Here are the first two comics with stories by Jessica Walden.

"Andrew does a daily puja that involves chanting and meditation. On this particular day, Andrew did his normal preparations, dressed himself in his doti, did his chanting, and then started to meditate, sitting in lotus, on our living room floor. Biscotti (the dog) thought he must want to play since he was sitting on the floor. So she grabbed her favorite toy, the rubber chicken, and placed it next to Andrew's knee. She waited. He meditated. She growled. He meditated. She picked up the rubber chicken and placed it ON his knee. He meditated. She barked loudly as if to say "stop your meditating and throw that damn rubber chicken, will ya!!" He meditated….

In the samadhi state, a man had become one with a dog.....he had even become one with the rubber chicken."


"I was doing self-practice and the kids were home and playing together. I was in the flow of my practice, very focused and serious. I was doing arm balances in Advanced A series. My 5 year old broke my serious focus by hollering from the bathroom 'Mom, can you come wipe me!'
There is an ancient saying: ... 'Before enlightenment, wipe bottoms; after enlightenment, wipe bottoms.'

ABOUT
Jessica Walden began a daily yoga practice in 1994 and, over the last 12 years, has made several trips to Mysore, India, to study with Guruji, Sharath, and Saraswati. She is married to Andrew Hillam and a happy mother of two boys and one chihuahua.

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