16/04/2022
Have you ever tried Ashtanga yoga in a Mysore style self practice class ?
Here are seven reasons why I think it’s a great practice for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.
1 – Get one-to-one attention
In a Mysore style ashtanga class, you’ll receive all the benefit of a one-to-one class in a group environment. On your first day, you’ll run through the three points of attention (tristhana method)
Then you’ll learn a breathing and movement sequence known as sun salutations (surya namaskara) before closing with a short breathing practice.
This will form the basis of your practice. You can modify any pose if you need to and you can practise at a pace that suits you.
If you’ve done some Ashtanga before but don’t know the sequence, don’t fret. You don’t need to know it. The teacher will help you to repeat parts of it so you commit it to memory.
2 – Develop a personalised relationship with your teacher
Take the time to tell them a little about your history, and mention if you have any injuries or previous yoga experience. Your teacher will guide you through your practice when you are new and over time will get to know you more and more. This personalised relationship means your teacher is available to answer questions and support and guide you based on your individual needs.
3 – Develop a self-sufficient practice
One of the amazing benefits is that Mysore style ashtanga is a practice that is truly your own and this feels very empowering. From your very first class you’ll have something memorised to ‘take away’. This means if you can’t make it to class or you’re travelling, you can still practise.
4 – Learn in a safe and progressive way.
We all have different physical capabilities but the practice can meet us where we’re at and support us through the various stages of life. The postures themselves are in a set sequence, so each posture prepares the body for the next. This way, we build strength and flexibility gradually. This means if you do go on to learn the more challenging postures your body will have gained the necessary flexibility and strength to do so safely.
Personally, I’ve taught students from the ages of 16 up to over 60 as well as those who have limited mobility or during pregnancy.
5 – Go deeper into your practice.
Because the room is silent, and we have the three points of attention to work with we’re able to cultivate a deep sense of focus. The practice becomes a moving meditation and a container from which we can begin to develop a deeper understanding of ourselves.
6 - Become part of a community
Ashtanga practitioners spend a lot of time together in the Mysore room. Even though the room is generally silent, you’ll get to know other practitioners and over time, through a shared connection to the practice, you’ll develop friendships and support systems. We often share chai and treats after class and these chats provide opportunities to get to know your fellow students, share practice experiences and even study aspects of yoga philosophy.
7 – Flexible class timings. Mysore style ashtanga classes generally run for two hours. But you don’t have to arrive for the start time or stay for its whole duration. Drop in when it suits you and stay for as long as you like. The aim is to cultivate a regular practice, so even if you only have 15 minutes each day, you’ll soon start to notice the benefits.
