ASHTANGA YOGA is characterized by a focus on vinyasa, or a dynamic connecting posture, that creates a flow between the more static traditional yoga postures. Vinyasa translates as linking and the system also implies the linking of the movement to the breath. Essentially the breath dictates the movement and the length of time held in the postures. Attention is also placed on the journey between the postures not just the postures themselves. The purpose of vinyasa is to create heat in the body, which leads to purification of the body through increased circulation and sweating.

The whole practice is defined by six specific series of postures, each series always done in the same order, combined with specific breathing (Ujjayi). Each sequence typically begins with the sun salutations followed by a set of standing poses. This is referred to as the “opening sequence”. The student then moves to either the Primary, Intermediate, Advanced A, B, C, or D, depending on his or her skill level, followed by back bends and finally closes the series with a set of inverted postures, referred to as the “finishing sequence”.

MYSORE STYLE (supervised self practice) refers to the traditional way as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Class is taught within a group setting where each student moves through the practice at his or her own pace and level and personal adjustments and teaching is given according to the individual needs.

 

Promise you will not spend so much time treading water and trying to keep your head above the waves

that you forget, truly forget, how much you have always loved to swim.

Tyler Knott Gregson – Poet & Author