Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga:

This workshop series is for anyone interested in starting a yoga practice in general, or an Ashtanga practice specifically, including led or Mysore classes.

This is a workshop series that meets for six consecutive Mondays October 26, November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 5:30-7:00 PM.  

Each session comes in two parts. We begin sitting down, with a short talk on a different topic each week.

The topics are:

• Opening and closing mantras (and what they mean),

• Where Ashtanga came from and how it has evolved to where it is today,

• The philosophical context the postures sit inside, and

• Techniques that hold the practice together: ujjāyī, the ocean-sounding breath you'll hear everyone making, and vinyāsa, which means ordering things in a particular way, linking each movement to a breath.

Over the six weeks we build a practice pose by pose from the Primary Series, the sequence every Ashtanga practitioner begins with. Each posture is offered in more than one form, because the conventional shape is one option among several. The aim is to know the postures and vinyasas well enough so that you can practice them at home on your own, or in any of our daily Mysore classes—or anywhere around the world!

What’s the format of Intro to Ashtanga Classes?!

The first five Mondays will be guided classes, and we'll ask you to memorise as much of the sequence as you comfortably can. The last Mondays is taught Mysore style, which is the self-led, self-paced style of practice.

Two teachers will be present in the room, which means a greater amount of one-on-one attention from different perspectives. It will be an opportunity to get individualized attention, with adjustments and cues specifically for you and where you are in the practice. It also means the first Mysore room you practice in is full of people who are also new to Mysore style, so everyone will still be in the process of memorizing their personal practice. 

By the end of the series, you'll be able to walk into a Mysore class with a practice you know. 

No experience necessary. Come as you are.