Integral
Sri Swami Satchidananda
Website: http://www.yogaville.org/
Sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Gyvofuc0NE&feature=related
Iyengar
Yogacharya B.K.S.Iyengar
Website: http://www.bksiyengar.com/
Sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVWvNtcu8-k&feature=related
Aug 19, 2012
Hatha Yoga Pradipika Online
"There exists at present a good deal of misconception with regard to the
practices of the Haṭha Yoga. People easily believe in the stories told
by those who themselves heard them second hand, and no attempt is made
to find out the truth by a direct reference to any good treatise."
Whether young, old or too old, sick or lean, one who discards laziness, gets success if he practises Yoga. 2.66
Success comes to him who is engaged in the practice. How can one get success without practice; for by merely reading books on Yoga, one can never get success. 2.67
Success cannot be attained by adopting a particular dress (Veṣa). It cannot be gained by telling tales. Practice alone is the means to success. This is true, there is no doubt. 2.68
Full copy of the "Hatha Yoga Pradipika" translated by Pancham Sinh
AAYS Holiday Class Schedule Labor Day Weekend 2012
LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Fri 31 Aug Moon Day, no class
Sat 1 Sep rest day, no class
Sun 2 Sep
6:30 am Door Opens
8:15 am Mantra / Mysore
10:00 am Door Closes
Mon 3 Sep Labor Day
6:30 am Door Opens
8:15 am Mantra / Mysore
10:00 am Door Closes
Tue 4 Sep
Regular Schedule
Beginner Course Starts
Fri 31 Aug Moon Day, no class
Sat 1 Sep rest day, no class
Sun 2 Sep
6:30 am Door Opens
8:15 am Mantra / Mysore
10:00 am Door Closes
Mon 3 Sep Labor Day
6:30 am Door Opens
8:15 am Mantra / Mysore
10:00 am Door Closes
Tue 4 Sep
Regular Schedule
Beginner Course Starts
Aug 18, 2012
Gheranda Samhita Online
"(Having closed the eyes) let him contemplate that there is a sea of nectar in his heart: that in
the midst of that sea there is an island of precious stones, the very
sand of which is pulverized diamonds and rubies. That on all sides of it there are Kadamba trees, laden with
sweet flowers; that, next to these trees, like a rampart, there is a row
of flowering trees, such as the malati, jati, kesara, champaka, parijata and padmas, and that the fragrance of these flowers is spread
all round, in every quarter. In the middle of this garden, let the Yogi imagine that there
stands a beautiful Kalpa tree, having four branches, representing the
four Vedas, and that it is full of flowers and fruits. Insects are
humming there and cuckoos singing. Beneath that tree, let him imagine a
rich platform of precious gems, and on that a costly throne inlaid with
jewels, and that on the throne sits his particular Deity, as taught to
him by his Guru. Let him contemplate on the appropriate form, ornaments and vehicle of that Deity.”
Full copy of "Gheranda Samhita" Translation and commentary by Rai Bahadur Srisa Chandra Vasu
Aug 17, 2012
Ujjāyī vs. Free Breathing in Ashtanga Yoga (Gheranda Samhita) by Elise Espat
We started off by looking at the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā which led to the conclusion that:
Now let's look at the Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā (धेरंड संहिता).
Notice here in chapter 5.46 that Ujjāyī is listed as a Kumbhaka (breath retention), just as it is in the HYP:
And here is GS the description of the technique (5.69-70):
Conclusion:
If Ujjāyī is one of the eight Kumbhakas and Kumbhakas are breath retentions, then Ujjāyī is a breath retention. If our breathing during practice does not include breath retentions, then it cannot be called Ujjāyī.
Read the Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā
Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā PDF
If Ujjāyī is one of the eight Kumbhakas and Kumbhakas are breath retentions, then Ujjāyī is a breath retention. If our breathing during practice does not include breath retentions, then it cannot be called Ujjāyī.Here is a link to the post: Part 1 = Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā (हठ योग प्रदीपिका)
Now let's look at the Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā (धेरंड संहिता).
Notice here in chapter 5.46 that Ujjāyī is listed as a Kumbhaka (breath retention), just as it is in the HYP:
And here is GS the description of the technique (5.69-70):
Conclusion:
If Ujjāyī is one of the eight Kumbhakas and Kumbhakas are breath retentions, then Ujjāyī is a breath retention. If our breathing during practice does not include breath retentions, then it cannot be called Ujjāyī.
Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā PDF
Aug 16, 2012
Some Yoga Mats - Reviewed by Elise Espat
Yoga Mat. But which one?
Originally published March 2010, Ashtanga Yoga Brooklyn Blog. New, improved, updated. Also, some of these are affiliate links. While opinions are always my own, deciding to purchase through an affiliate link helps support this blog. Thanks!
One thing that I really love about Ashtanga yoga is that you really only
need yourself in order to practice. While there are certain advantages to going "en plein air",
most people are going to use a yoga mat and sometimes a rug too. But which mat? And why use a rug?
The Typical
Most people (myself included) started with an inexpensive PVC yoga mat. Usually around $20, one can find these mats just about everywhere from Barnes and Noble to the local pharmacy. Slippery and stinky at first, this will dissipate over time. Usually the go-to mat for yoga studio mat rentals because of the very low price, these mats shred over time. They are often thick, but not firm (a quality that beginners often mistake for a good thing). I do not recommend purchasing a PVC yoga mat. There are many health concerns regarding PVC and it is usually not recycled. These days, with a little effort, you'll definitely be able to get your hands on an eco-friendly mat at a comparable price point. Search Gaiam for mats around $30. I haven't tried any of them, let us know!
The Eco
The common eco mats ($40-$70) are the Jade Harmony mat or the Jute mat. When you first roll it out, it has a strong rubber smell, but that goes away. I found mine (Jade) to be incredibly sticky from day one. So sticky, that certain maneuvers on the mat had to be rethought on account of the non-slippage. That said, other people have told me that it was slippery for them. The Jade mat also attracts dust and hair at the beginning, so be prepared to wipe it off a lot if that kind of thing bothers you. After over two years of use, mine had yet to shred. Other people had shredding within a year. Thickness varies, medium to firm. While the non-stick and eco aspects are positive, for people learning jump throughs I definitely recommend considering a mat with a different textured surface or placing a rug on top for seated postures. Other natural mats can be found through Hugger Mugger, and Manduka. I've tried the Manduka eKO Lite. It is super light (great for travel). It has two sides: slick and sticky. Extra padding is in order for certain second series postures. The Manduka eKO SuperLite Travel Mat. It has a similar feel to the eKO Lite, but is thinner making it great for travel. A very thin mat or thick and very firm mat are what I recommend as the best practice surfaces.
The Classics
The Manduka Pro ($90) mat is an Ashtanga classic. Slippery, thick, and firm. Ideal for Ashtanga practice, but not necessary for beginners. Does not shred. These things last forever (sustainable), but to my knowledge are not eco-friendly. They are heavy and travel with them is not fun at all. We carry Manduka Pro mats at the Shala, this has been my daily practice mat for years.
The Rug
I don't really know why other people use rugs, but here's why I like them.
1. Practice seems less daunting when I'm staring at a rug instead of The Mat.
2. Rugs come in many fun colors and patterns and can liven up any mat.
3. Instead of worrying about cleaning my mat all the time, I just have to wash my rug.
4. Soaks up moisture.
5. Doubles as a resting blanket.
6. Good surface for learning jump throughs.
7. Extra padding for certain postures.
8. Some say they help with slipping.
If you aren't going to India tomorrow, you can find a Mysore rug at many Ashtanga shalas, studios, and online. Many people also use "mat towels". I prefer rugs.
How/where to get a mat
- Online (new-stores, new/used-craigslist)
- At a yoga studio (new/used)
- Health food stores (new)
What to do with an old mat
Tips here Yoga Mat: Clean or Replace?
FAQs via The Yoga Shala
An extensive list of FAQs by Authorized teacher Krista Shirley of The Yoga Shala. Really worth a peek.
Some questions include:
What is Mysore-style Ashtanga Yoga?
What about pre-existing pain and old injuries?
Why do I need a teacher?
Should I commit to one discipline?
I learned Ashtanga differently. Am I supposed to change what I’ve been doing?
Why am I being “stopped” in my practice?
What about pre-existing pain and old injuries?
Why do I need a teacher?
Should I commit to one discipline?
I learned Ashtanga differently. Am I supposed to change what I’ve been doing?
Why am I being “stopped” in my practice?
The list of faqs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Aug 15, 2012
Moon Day Friday
August 17th - Friday - New Moon
No classes, take rest.
No classes, take rest.
About moon days.
A list of all moon days in 2012.
Aug 14, 2012
Ashtanga & Mysore: More FAQs by Elise Espat
You're Ashtanga curious. Here are some tips on how to get started and what you can expect.
- Observe a Mysore class before beginning practice for the first time. You'll be able to see what the teacher/class/space/other students/method are like before making any kind of commitment.
- Commit to at least one month of practice. It is easy to show up once when you feel "good". It is even possible to show up for a week. But in the span of a month it is much more likely that you won't always feel like going to practice. You'll be really busy one day with a lot on your mind, or you'll be sore, or tired, or want to sleep in, or go to brunch, run a little late, etc. It is important to realize that it isn't about every day feeling like rainbows and sunshine. It is about showing up no matter what. After a month of facing all these different flavors, you'll have a sense of whether or not you want to continue to do this practice.
- You do not have to know the primary series or anything about yoga to join a Mysore class. Although you will be practicing to your own breath, your Mysore practice will be highly supervised by the instructor. You will be taught individually one posture at a time. Your first classes will be short and will eventually be around 90 minutes. Slowly as these postures integrate, more postures will be added by your teacher and you'll continue to refine previous postures and techniques.
- All ages, shapes, body types, genders, ethnicities, etc. are welcome to attend. You don't have to be strong or flexible or a dancer or a gymnast. The only requirement is an enthusiasm for practice.
- The Mysore-style of learning and practicing is different than most other types of yoga practice because:
-it is made of a set series of postures which you practice daily
-you develop and maintain a practice over time
-the student-teacher relationship is very important
-students practice with one teacher
-it is less about catering to what we are accustomed to and more about challenging ourselves to experience everything with grace
-Students can take their time, work at their own pace, and are encouraged to marinate in certain postures if there is a therapeutic indication
- There are six series of postures in the Ashtanga yoga system. Primary series is called yoga chikitsa which means yoga therapy. This practice tones, increases flexibility, and detoxes the body and mind. Everyone starts their Mysore practice by gradually learning and practicing the primary series. It takes as long as it takes. Anyone can practice.
- You can arrive to practice any time that is convenient for you within the designated practice times as long as you are finished before the end. For example, if your practice is 35 minutes long, you should begin before 8:55am if class ends at 9:30am. So, no, your practice isn't 3 hours long and you do not have to arrive at the beginning of the Mysore class.
- Bring a clean towel, a yoga mat, wear clean clothes, take a shower, be barefoot, and arrive on an empty stomach. Do not drink water or other liquids during practice.
- Ashtanga yoga is a daily practice. Really, if we are talking the full spectrum of practice, it is 24/7. In terms of being on a mat, students practice 6 days per week. Saturdays or Sundays are a day of rest as are the first three days of the menstrual cycle (called ladies' holiday). Moon days (full or new moon) are also a day of rest. If this isn't possible for you at first, do what you can.
Send it to eliseashtangayoga@gmail.com
Originally published March 2010 at Ashtanga Yoga Brooklyn.
Moon Days 2012
January 9th, Monday, Full Moon
January 23rd, Monday, New Moon
February 7th, Tuesday, Full Moon
February 21st, Tuesday, New Moon
March 8th, Thursday, Full Moon
March 22nd, Thursday, New Moon
April 6th, Friday, Full Moon
April 22nd, Sunday, New Moon
May 6th, Sunday, Full Moon
May 20th, Sunday, New Moon
June 3rd, Sunday, Full Moon
June 19th, Tuesday, New Moon
July 3rd, Tuesday, Full Moon
July 18th, Wednesday, New Moon
August 1st, Wednesday, Full Moon
August 17th, Friday, New Moon
August 31st, Friday, Full Moon
September 16th, Sunday, New Moon
September 30th, Sunday, Full Moon
October 15th, Monday, New Moon
October 28th, Sunday, Full Moon
November 13th, Tuesday, New Moon
November 28th, Wednesday, Full Moon
December 14th, Friday, New Moon
December 28th, Friday, Full Moon
Aug 12, 2012
Ujjāyī vs. Free Breathing in Ashtanga Yoga (Hatha Yoga Pradipika) by Elise Espat
Q: Is Ujjāyī the same as "free breathing with sound"?
A: No. They are different.
Ujjāyī is a Kumbhaka (breath retention).
When we apply the Tristhana (asana, breathing, looking place) during our Ashtanga yoga practice, we use "free breathing with sound". Each breath leads to the next with no retention.
So, what's the difference? Explanation below from the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā (हठ योग प्रदीपिका).
Notice that one may define Kumbhaka as the retention of breath.
बद्ध-पद्मासनो योगी पराणं छन्द्रेण पूरयेत |
धारयित्वा यथा-शक्ति भूयः सूर्येण रेछयेत || ७ ||
पराणं सूर्येण छाकॄष्ह्य पूरयेदुदरं शनैः |
विधिवत्कुम्भकं कॄत्वा पुनश्छन्द्रेण रेछयेत || ८ ||
धारयित्वा यथा-शक्ति भूयः सूर्येण रेछयेत || ७ ||
पराणं सूर्येण छाकॄष्ह्य पूरयेदुदरं शनैः |
विधिवत्कुम्भकं कॄत्वा पुनश्छन्द्रेण रेछयेत || ८ ||
baddha-padmāsano yoghī prāṇaṃ chandreṇa pūrayet |
dhārayitvā yathā-śakti bhūyaḥ sūryeṇa rechayet || 7 ||
prāṇaṃ sūryeṇa chākṝṣhya pūrayedudaraṃ śanaiḥ |
vidhivatkumbhakaṃ kṝtvā punaśchandreṇa rechayet || 8 ||
dhārayitvā yathā-śakti bhūyaḥ sūryeṇa rechayet || 7 ||
prāṇaṃ sūryeṇa chākṝṣhya pūrayedudaraṃ śanaiḥ |
vidhivatkumbhakaṃ kṝtvā punaśchandreṇa rechayet || 8 ||
Sitting in the Padmâsana posture the Yogî should fill in the air
through the left nostril (closing the right one); and, keeping it
confined according to one's ability, it should be expelled slowly
through the sûrya (right nostril). Then, drawing in the air through the
sûrya (right nostril) slowly, the belly should be filled, and after
performing Kumbhaka as before, it should be expelled slowly through the
chandra (left nostril).
-HYP chapter 2.8
-HYP chapter 2.8
Notice that Ujjāyī is one of the eight Kumbhakas.
अथ कुम्भक-भेदाः
सूर्य-भेदनमुज्जायी सीत्कारी शीतली तथा |
भस्त्रिका भरामरी मूर्छ्छा पलाविनीत्यष्ह्ट-कुम्भकाः || ४४ ||
सूर्य-भेदनमुज्जायी सीत्कारी शीतली तथा |
भस्त्रिका भरामरी मूर्छ्छा पलाविनीत्यष्ह्ट-कुम्भकाः || ४४ ||
atha kumbhaka-bhedāḥ
sūrya-bhedanamujjāyī sītkārī śītalī tathā |
bhastrikā bhrāmarī mūrchchā plāvinītyaṣhṭa-kumbhakāḥ || 44 ||
sūrya-bhedanamujjāyī sītkārī śītalī tathā |
bhastrikā bhrāmarī mūrchchā plāvinītyaṣhṭa-kumbhakāḥ || 44 ||
Kumbhakas are of eight kinds, viz., Sûrya Bhedan, Ujjâyî, Sîtkarî, Sîtalî, Bhastrikâ, Bhrâmarî, Mûrchhâ, and Plâvinî.
Conclusion:
If Ujjāyī is one of the eight Kumbhakas and Kumbhakas are breath retentions, then Ujjāyī is a breath retention. If our breathing during practice does not include breath retentions, then it cannot be called Ujjāyī.
If Ujjāyī is one of the eight Kumbhakas and Kumbhakas are breath retentions, then Ujjāyī is a breath retention. If our breathing during practice does not include breath retentions, then it cannot be called Ujjāyī.
Further, in 2.51 and 2.52 the method for Ujjāyī is described and includes the instruction to restrain the breath:
pūrvavatkumbhayetprāṇaṃ rechayediḍayā tathā |
śleṣhma-doṣha-haraṃ kaṇṭhe dehānala-vivardhanam || 52 ||
śleṣhma-doṣha-haraṃ kaṇṭhe dehānala-vivardhanam || 52 ||
Since Ujjāyī is a Kumbhaka, it makes sense that it would include instruction for breath retention.
So, in our practice, we are only "breathing freely with sound".
Aug 11, 2012
Beginner's Guide to Yoga (Styles, Schools, Traditions) by Elise Espat
I'll be honest. My first official yoga classes were with Jane Fonda on a VHS tape in my living room. When I eventually mustered up the courage to find a teacher, I had no idea what to look for, or even that there were different styles. Overwhelmed, I made my decision based on 2 factors: location and price. I ended up at a great place with some wonderful teachers. I was really lucky. This was years ago when there were maybe three places from which I could choose from in my area...and I was living in New York City! Now, it is impossible to walk down the block in NYC without running into at least one yoga establishment. While the vast number of options might feel overwhelming at first, consider yourself lucky. More options mean more possibilities of finding something that really works for you.
Most yoga schools, shalas, studios, gyms, church basements, etc. offer Hatha yoga. While the teachings might overlap some of the other systems such as Raja, Bhakti, or Karma, the foundation will be a physical practice with a combination of asanas (body positions) and breathing.
Some popular practice styles and terms:
Anusara
John Friend
Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anusara_Yoga
Sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZyuvVPDLfk
John Friend
Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anusara_Yoga
Sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZyuvVPDLfk
Ashtanga / Mysore
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, R. Sharath Jois, Saraswathi Jois
Website: http://kpjayi.org/
Sample: http://youtu.be/VGrGRBi0u28
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, R. Sharath Jois, Saraswathi Jois
Website: http://kpjayi.org/
Sample: http://youtu.be/VGrGRBi0u28
Bikram
Bikram Choudhury
Website: http://bikramyoga.com/
Sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDWJos7PA-4
Bikram Choudhury
Website: http://bikramyoga.com/
Sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDWJos7PA-4
Dharma Mittra
Sri Dharma Mittra
Website: http://www.dharmayogacenter.com
Sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kud7naxGiT4
Hot
Various
Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_yoga
Sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWhO2Am35fE
Kundalini
Yogi Bhajan
Website: http://www.3ho.org/
Sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2RCNS1qvb8&feature=related
Yogi Bhajan
Website: http://www.3ho.org/
Sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2RCNS1qvb8&feature=related
Jivamukti
Sharon Gannon and David Life
Website: http://www.jivamuktiyoga.com/
Sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlbwCQ7pejQ&feature=related
Sharon Gannon and David Life
Website: http://www.jivamuktiyoga.com/
Sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlbwCQ7pejQ&feature=related
Sivananda
Swami Sivananda, Swami Vishnudevananda
Website: http://www.sivananda.org/
Sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rzY4zkYNVw&feature=related
Swami Sivananda, Swami Vishnudevananda
Website: http://www.sivananda.org/
Sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rzY4zkYNVw&feature=related
Part 2 coming soon.
Aug 8, 2012
Namarupa 3 Gurus Interview
"3 Gurus, 48 Questions"
http://www.namarupa.org/magazine/nr03/downloads/NamaRupa_03_02.pdf
Subscribe to Namarupa
Jul 24, 2012
How to wake up for yoga by Elise Espat
A dose of encouragement and honesty for the doubtful.
The first thing to realize is that many other people (myself included) find the act of waking to an alarm incredibly painful. It is okay to feel this way. It is also okay to feel this way and wake up anyway. Here is how...
In general:
-Keep a routine.
Whether you intentionally set one in place or not, you already have a
series of morning rituals. It is easy to do what is familiar, even if
it isn't helpful. At the beginning of a new routine, it will be
difficult because it is new. But as time goes on, it will become more
natural and perhaps even effortless. The truth is it might always be
painful, but never impossible.
-Join a community. Being around other people who keep the same schedule will both inspire and challenge you to stay with the program.
-Never underestimate the power of eating well and keeping good company.
The night before:
-Plan ahead. Set out clothing and other things you need so you can get out the door (or onto your mat) quickly.
-Sleep well. Having a solid night's rest makes waking up the next day much easier. If possible, use your bed only for sleeping, avoid the pm caffeine fix, and unplug at least an hour before you hit the hay.
The morning:
-Never hit snooze.
-Take a shower.
-Think happy thoughts.
-Brush your teeth & clean your tongue.
-Listen to positive, upbeat music that makes you smile.
-Smile.
-Avoid the internet, your phone, or anything else that will get you worked up.
So when do you start this new habit?
The clouds probably will not open up with a shining banner held by birds
telling you tomorrow is the day. You just make the decision to commit
to it and that is all. You don't have to be special, you just can't be
lazy. Waking up early is a practice. It takes time and discipline.
There will be easy mornings and there will be hard mornings. They come
and they go and tomorrow is one more opportunity to wake up for yoga.
Jul 23, 2012
Mexico Retreat FAQ: How to Get There by Elise Espat
We picked Xinalani as the location for our upcoming yoga retreat for many reasons including the fact that it is relatively quick and easy to get to. Any questions, feel free to get in touch.
Book Your Flight
You'll need to book your own flight to Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR).
Look for flights that arrive at PVR before 4:30 pm on Saturday.
For your departure flight, find one that is leaving after 11 am on the following Saturday.
Once your reservation is complete, send us your itinerary so that Xinalani can make arrangements for your airport pickup service.
If you'd like to find a travel buddy, post on our retreat page on Facebook.
Note: Please make sure we have confirmed your registration before you book your flights.
Airport Pickup Service
As the retreat dates approach, we'll email you detailed instructions about your pickup service.
You'll have a prearranged car that will take you and possibly some other fellow retreaters from the airport to the marina. The ride is about ten minutes.
Note: VIP pickup service is included in the total price of your retreat.
Banderas Bay Boat Ride
Depending on when you arrive, the boat might take you straight to Xinalani. Or, you'll need to wait a little while for a few more fellow retreaters to arrive. There is a little restaurant located in the marina where you can grab some tasty food and juices while you wait. They'll take US dollars, however, you'll get a better exchange rate it you bring pesos.
Once everyone booked for your boat ride arrives, off you'll go to Xinalani! The ride is about 45 minutes. We recommend wearing sun block for the ride and placing important items in plastic bags so that they don't get wet or ruined.
Note: This boat ride is included in the total price of your retreat.
Arrive at Xinalani
Depending on weather, you'll either land on the beach or at the dock a little ways down the coast. If weather allows for a beach arrival, be ready to get wet! We recommend wearing shorts and easy to remove shoes.
If you arrive at the dock, you'll walk about 10 minutes through a small village to Xinalani.
Check In
You've arrived! Retreat!
Jul 21, 2012
Mysore Conference Notes: 1st Conference of Season by Suzanne El-Safty
Sharath’s First Conference of the Season
By Suzanne El-Safty
By Suzanne El-Safty
22 October 2011
Last Sunday Sharath gave his first conference of this season (it’s
taken me forever to write this up – too many classes and too little
sleep this week). The conference was short as it was the first day and
Sharath didn’t want to overwhelm the new students (‘lot of new students,
is good, means Ashtanga Yoga is spreading’).
He started by speaking about appropriate behaviour in Mysore –
appropriate dress (not beach clothes, women should wear a shawl to cover
themselves), not standing in big groups at the coconut stand, avoiding
making unwanted ‘friends’.
MORE CONFERENCE NOTES
Conference – Asana as the Foundation of a Spiritual Practice – 1st January 2012 by Suzanne El-Safty
Jul 19, 2012
Interview with Krista Shirley by Xinalani Yoga Retreat
Interview originally published here:
http://www.yogaretreatsinmexico.com/2012/07/asthanga-and-mysore-tell-us-more.html
http://www.yogaretreatsinmexico.com/2012/07/asthanga-and-mysore-tell-us-more.html
Asthanga and Mysore, tell us more!
Our first retreat of the 2012-2013 season will be hosted by Krista
Shirley and Elise Espat, an Ashtanga Adventure! We wanted to find out
more about Krista, Ashtanga, and the Mysore teaching method. Get
excited, their retreat will surely prove to be an amazing experience!
Xinalani: Thanks for
taking the time to do this interview with us and allowing our readers to learn
more about you and your upcoming yoga retreat. Tell us
a little about how you found your practice.
How did it all start for you?
Krista: It all started
at a World Gym in Altamonte Springs, Florida my junior year in College. I decided to try a new yoga class that
appealed to me because it appeared to be quite a challenge. It was a modified led Ashtanga Yoga class and
I loved it. After a couple of weeks of
classes at the gym, my teacher introduced me to Winter Park Yoga where she
practiced each day and where they taught traditional Ashtanga Yoga in the
Mysore method. I committed to come six
days a week for one month and then I was totally hooked. The transformations I went through mentally,
spiritually and physically were truly life changing. The rest is history…I eventually started
teaching this method because I live it each day and it seemed a natural
progression for me to share this passion with the world. I love waking up each day and doing my
practice, then teaching this practice to others. I feel truly blessed in this life to have
this yoga to help me be the best me I can be, and to be able to do what I love
for a living.
Xinalani: You teach
Ashtanga Yoga. Can you tell us about
this particular style of yoga?
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Krista: Ashtanga Yoga is a 5,000 year old discipline that explores, develops, and
integrates the body, mind and spirit. Ashtanga Yoga purifies the body, the
nervous system, the internal organs, and the mind through the use of vinyasa
(breath with movement), asana (physical postures), deep breathing, and drishti
(looking place or gaze). Practicing Yoga Asanas purifies the body and
strengthens and gives flexibility to the body. Performing deep breathing
purifies the nervous system. Drishti is the place where you look while
performing asanas, or postures in order for you to concentrate on one specific
place; also helps to stretch the eyes. The goal of incorporating drishti to
your practice is for purification and stabilization of the mind. Daily practice
of Ashtanga Yoga promotes weight loss, vitality, mental clarity, stress
reduction, deep relaxation, and overall health and wellness to the
practitioner. Our beloved Guru, Shri K.
Pattabhi Jois was the modern father of this yoga method and taught students
from around the world in his home in Mysore, India until his passing in
2009. Now Guruji’s grandson Sharath is
the primary lineage keeper of this yoga method and is my and Elise’s
teacher.
Xinalani: How do Ashtanga and Mysore yoga
relate to one another?
Krista: Mysore is a specific way to teach the
Ashtanga Yoga method. Ashtanga Yoga is a
specific ‘yoga style’ that consists of breathing, bandhas, drishti and a
specific sequence of postures that make up the primary, intermediate, 3, 4, 5,
and 6 series. This ‘yoga style’ can be
taught in a led setting or a mysore setting. In a led setting a teacher will verbally guide an entire class from
start to finish (Surya Namaskara A to final rest). Students must start at the same time, move at
the same pace, and end together. Unlike
led classes, mysore classes are very unique, very individualized, and truly the
absolute best way to learn and practice yoga. This
unique method of instruction is suitable for beginners as well as longtime
practitioners because every student is taught individually. In other words,
each student is given a one-on-one lesson in a group setting in order that he
or she can progress through the Ashtanga Yoga series’ at their own pace and
according to his or her individual needs.
Timings are also flexible so people can come to their mat when it works
for them and are not mandated to get to their local studio by a specific
time. For example most mysore rooms will
have a morning program from 6am to 10am, for example, and students can
literally show up and start their practice anytime between 6am and 9:00am as
long as they finish practice by 10am.
This allows students flexibility in their schedule, and helps in the
natural functionality of the mysore room because different students need help
with different asanas and the spread out timing allows teachers the ability to
help all students when they need help – if it were a led class one teacher
could not help 20 students in drop backs in a timely manner but in a mysore
room he/she can.
This is the way that yoga is taught by our
teachers, Shri K. Pattabhi Jois and R. Sharath Jois in Mysore, India and why it
has come to be known as “Mysore Style” teaching. For more information on
Ashtanga Yoga please visit www.kpjayi.org
Xinalani: In the fitness world,
experts often say you need to change up your workout in order to constantly
challenge your muscles in new ways so they don’t become accustomed to the same
movements. Why is Ashtanga different,
even though you follow the same series repeatedly?
Krista: I’ll try to answer your
question from a purely physical perspective:
In Ashtanga Yoga asana practice you do repeat the exact same series of
postures in the primary series until you master those asanas (postures) – until
you are indeed accustomed to the movements and your body has not only
physically mastered the ability to do the movements with grace but also
mastered breathing fluidly without strain while doing the postures with
grace. This is not cross training, this
is yoga and one of our goals is to steady the body by training the body and
breath so that we can then work to steady the mind. But it takes a long time for a person doing
the Ashtanga Primary Series 6 days per week to truly master that series and be
ready to move onto the next. During that
period of working towards mastery the student is doing the same sequence each
day struggling to find balance and agility, stamina, control, coordination,
build strength and flexibility and much more.
And over time, doing the practice consistently, for a long period of
time, without break, a student will eventually become master over those
movements that make up the primary series – as that is part of the
process. If we took the approach of the
general fitness world, we would never master any yoga postures– to me there is
little benefit in that. While physical
fitness is certainly a benefit of yoga practice, it is only one of many – the
process should take us deeper and deeper, not keep us on the surface level. But please don’t mistake me, this asana
practice is an intense physical challenge.
Once a student does master primary series he or she will slowly build up
second series postures and later 3rd and so on, and each series is
progressively more challenging and demanding on the body. One thing that really makes this yoga method
unique, even for fitness buffs, is that the student can gauge their own
progress in their practice each day – as they get deeper into postures, attain
more balance and flexibility they can see that on the mat because they are
repeating the same sequence over and over until it is ‘mastered’ so that their
body and mind is ready to embark on the next series of asanas to continue to
challenge their body, mind and spirit.
Krista: Absolutely!
I can guarantee that not one day is ever the same on your mat. Let’s say you are working to master primary
and have three poses left in the sequence.
Sunday-Friday you do your practice exactly the same each day, but on
Sunday you focus on keeping with the Vinyasa count, Monday you are extremely
tired and move much slower than the count and holding postures a few extra
breathes, Tuesday you are short on time so you have to leave out your final
three seated postures before moving to finishing, Wednesday your mind is all
over the map thinking about a deadline at work and you are not very focused on
asana but you show up and do anyway, on Thursday you are totally connected with
your breath and bandhas and nothing in the world can distract you in practice
and you attain a true moving meditation session on your mat, and Friday your
teacher leads your class through primary series with proper Vinyasa count and
you end in final rest with your eyes closed, clothes drenched in sweat, smiling
knowing tomorrow is a rest day. Every
single day is different and YOU make it what it is. You put in the effort or you don’t, show up
and do or you don’t, allow the distractions in the room or in your head to
affect your practice or not, go to classes outside your local studio when
traveling or chose to roll out your mat in your hotel room…While Ashtanga yoga
does not allow for creativity in sequencing of postures in the series, that
doesn’t mean the practitioner cannot be creative within the structure of the
sequence in each series. If Ashtanga did
allow creativity of sequencing, then it would no longer be Ashtanga Yoga – it
would be power yoga or flow yoga or power flow yoga or Vinyasa or any of the
many names people have made up in recent years to describe their own creative
diversion from this traditional Ashtanga yoga method. In Ashtanga yoga the creativity comes from
within you. Each day is a blank canvas
and you get to color it how you wish. I see my practice exactly the same way –
my Ashtanga yoga practice is my canvas – I get on my mat and take my prescribed
practice and the outcome of that practice is totally up to me – the lessons I
learn, the stuff I release the thoughts I have or don’t have…New styles of yoga
that ‘mix things up’ remind me of today’s toys for children. Toys today are so detailed and so intricate
there is little room for creative freedom on the part of the child. Today’s yoga classes are so mixed up
and flavored with this and that, there is little room for yoga practitioners to
go deep within themselves to have their own creative experience. Simple is best – allows more room for growth,
change, transformation and joy.
Xinalani: Each year
you go back to Mysore, India to practice and learn. What are some of the more valuable bits you
have taken away from your recent trips?
Krista: Ha, funny
question for me personally because my most recent trip with my son (then 1 and
a half), and the trip before I was six months pregnant with Kaiden. Regardless of my condition, I can say with
certainty that India is a magical motherland that feeds your soul and each trip
I make fills me to the brim with adventure, mystery, struggle, joy and
faith.
I return to
India each year to study with my teachers at the Krishna Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga
Yoga institute to ensure my practice is progressing under the correct
path. Doing my practice alone at home
all year, it is a true gift to get to return to Mysore and ‘check in’ with
Sharath for a few months, to be a student only, to surrender to India, allow
myself to be vulnerable, and to soak in all that India has to teach me.
The valuable
bits truly are the ones words cannot describe.
Taking yourself out of your comfort zone, putting your faith and trust
into a practice such as this, allowing yourself to be open to learn from every
single interaction and experience – these are the things that make each trip so
special. Be it India, Mexico, Morocco
or anywhere on this globe that you consider an adventure or something on your
bucket list, something that excites you or moves you – remember life is short
and you deserve to live it to the fullest.
So whatever it is you wish to experience, wherever it is you wish to
travel – do it now! You might just learn
something along the way!
Krista: Elise and I met
in the fall of 2007 in Mysore, India. We
were both studying at the Krishna Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute in
Mysore with Guruji, Sharath and Saraswathi.
When I met Elise I loved her spirit.
We hung out that year in Mysore, have stayed in touch through the years,
and have met up when we can in India, New York and California. We cherish our friendship with one another,
enjoy the chances we have to see one another, practice and learn together, and
we both love travel and adventure. So
when Elise came up with the idea of doing a retreat together I was totally on
board. This will be our first of many
retreats together because we know it will be a week full of fun, adventure,
hard work, dedicated practice, relaxation, and exploration. We both love this practice, are both deeply
dedicated to our teachers and this lineage, both own our own yoga schools, both
work hard, play hard, and practice with devotion. We enjoy adventure, challenges, problem
solving, and fun; we work well together and care deeply for each other and I
know our retreat participants will benefit tremendously from our
co-contributions as well as our individual ones. I am very excited about this week at Xinalani
with Elise and am eager to share our friendship and passion for this yoga with
our group.
Krista: ADVENTURE! We will start each day with our Ashtanga Yoga
practice followed by chanting. We will
then enjoy a wholesome group breakfast.
Participants will enjoy some free time to relax, explore, read or rest
until lunch at 1:30pm. After lunch each
day Elise and I will facilitate excursions for the group from body boarding,
kayaking, shopping, mule rides, swimming with the dolphins, trekking and
snorkeling. These excursions are
optional so participants can join in or do their own thing. The group will reconvene back on resort
property at 5pm for meditation, chanting, lectures and much more and we will
end each day with a group dinner at 7:30pm.
After a week of
yoga and adventure with me and Elise at Xinalani, our group will leave with
some stellar memories, new friendships, and a new found or re-discovered love
for travel and adventure!
Xinalani: What
advice would you give from your own personal experience to our readers?
Krista: Don’t ever look
back wishing you had done something…Do…and do without regret…even if the
outcome is not what you envision, the experience is wisdom gained to carry
forward to the next opportunity…So DO and by doing you will live your life to
the fullest.
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