While we are closed for in studio classes, we offer self practice with the community mysore style online classes, free of charge. As well as in person Mysore Style class in the park on Wednesdays. Sign up for all is required to participate.
WHAT IS MYSORE-STYLE ASHTANGA YOGA?
Mysore-style Ashtanga is the traditional method of learning and practicing Ashtanga Yoga as taught by the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and now his grandson Sharath in Mysore, India.
Unlike most yoga classes where the students practice in unison, here everyone works at their own pace. It’s a self practice in a group setting. The teacher gives individual attention to each student according to their needs (based on age, health condition, injury, flexibility, level of experience…) to ensure a safe, and sustainable practice.
The room is almost silent. The main focus is the breath and the meditative flow that comes from the practice.
HOW TO START YOUR MYSORE STYLE PRACTICE?
To start your Mysore practice come and observe a class for half an hour or so. We recommend attending a busy class, usually Sundays at around 8:00 A.M.
After that first encounter, arrive at 6:30 A.M. any day Monday to Thursday for the next two weeks. This ensures that our teachers have the time to start you on your practice when it is quiet. After those first 2 weeks, you can practice any time.)
The teacher will assign postures to you in accordance with your ability. Beginners tend to have a much shorter practice than more experienced students. As strength, flexibility, and concentration are gained, additional postures are given to the student.
If you get confused about the correct sequence of postures or need help with a particular posture, please let the teacher know. We are happy to help, no matter how many times you ask! If you are accustomed to led classes, the Mysore-style setting can seem strange at first. But with commitment and a little patience, you will be encouraged by how quickly you learn to do yoga as a self-practice.
COMMITMENT TO YOUR PRACTICE
The practice room is open between 6:00 A.M. and 9:00 A.M. during the week and from 7.00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. on Sundays. However, instruction starts at 6:30 A.M. and ends at 9:00 A.M. (7:00 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. on Sundays).
Traditionally, in the Ashtanga method we practice every day except for Saturdays and Moon Days, which typically occur twice a month. New students are encouraged to make a commitment to practice at least 3 times a week for a month, it may be very difficult to commit to a daily practice, and it often takes one or two years to establish discipline. Don’t be discouraged if you’re “only” practicing twice a week at first; your practice will grow.
To see Moon Days (rest days) click on the schedule page for the pdf.
CHEAT SHEETS
If you have a diagram of the Ashtanga yoga primary series postures, we encourage you to review and study the postures at home instead of bringing it to class. This allows you to learn the order of the postures more quickly and to place more focus on your breathing during class.
QUESTIONS?
For additional questions about starting a Mysore practice at YiY, email Sabina at yogaisyouth dot com or Beata dot s at mac dot com.