ASHTANGA MYSORE PRACTICE
Ashtanga Yoga is a science and practice that has evolved over thousands of years. When practiced regularly, Ashtanga cultivates strength and steadiness of mind and body. This is a practice of classical yoga postures; a system and practice method designed to unify the mind and body. Ashtanga yoga links postures together into a continuous flow based on principals of alignment and energy guided by deep breathing. The Ashtanga system becomes an excellent path for therapeutic repair and avoidance of injury. The term "ashtanga" means eight limbs, each being a stage or step along the path to self realization, and yoga unites or "yokes" the mind, body and soul.
The Mysore style of practice allows for continuous refinement of technique and experience to continue to awaken and utilize the core of the body. Exploring natural patterns of alignment that open core breathing and purify the body allows meditation and insight to easily arise. Proven by the practice of Ashtanga Yoga by thousands of people over time and throughout the globe as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, this system of yoga incorporates a practice of endurance and a meditative practice demanding attention to the breath. Alignment of the body and nervous system happen naturally based on the art and science of the deliberate sequence of postures as the body flows from one posture to the next, holding each for 5 breaths.
The Ashtanga Primary Series establishes a strong integration in the following 3 foundational elements:
PRANAYAMA ~ breathing with awareness: a specific technique for the breath to flow beyond the nasal passages, the throat, and on toward expanding the diaphragm in all directions. In time the breath is heard as a smooth and steady rhythm by which to guide and observe the quality of the experience.
DRISTI ~ gazing with awareness: there are 9 assigned gazing points for the postures in the Primary Series. This brings our focus of mind to sharpen as we allow our eyes to rest softly on specific points as we practice.
BANDHAS ~ heightening awareness and feeling of deliberate holding patterns in the core of the body, there are 3 bandhas, or energetic locks, used in Ashtanga Yoga. From the root ('mula') connection comes mula bandha, situated deep under the belly, in the pelvic floor. Then the ‘navel lock’, or uddiyana bandha, and on up to the throat, jalandhara bandha. These bandhas, or ‘locks’, work specifically in conjunction with the breath, to hold, contain, bind, and ‘seal’ our energy. The first 2 are maintained, or ‘tended to’ throughout all of practice.
Altogether, these elements are interdependent; ‘ayama’ means ‘upward extension’ and ‘prana’, energy. Pranayama serves to suspend, in conjunction with Bandhas, our energy as we draw, through our focus in the wake of our breath, our attention, and the breath itself, upward. A soft gaze during this process helps us to listen and feel what is actually happening in the moment. As you become accustomed to observing, you are also cultivating a meditative awareness as you practice. Bandhas are the most elusive of the foundational elements, and can take years of practice to become acquainted with.
Staying patient, building on what you feel and come to understand, and staying present with each breath as you move assures a safe, and enjoyable practice! Keep in mind that if your breath is flowing smoothly and freely, and your concentration is in its’ wake, your practice is right where it will serve you best!
*If for some health consideration the Suns Salutations are not the right entry point into practice for you, a teacher will work with you individualistically to sculpt and adopt practice according to what will benefit you the most. Dristi, bandhas, and pranayama can be applied creatively in accordance to honoring what you CAN do. As Pattabhi Jois, the living ‘grandfather’ of Ashtanga Yoga says, “Ashtanga Yoga is for all people”. Trust yourself & be confident!
