A strong, dynamic practice moving through a set sequence of postures on the thread of breath, Ashtanga is the most physically challenging of all yoga traditions. This method creates heat in the body in order to purify and strengthen the physical being. Controlled breath and a steady gaze work together to calm the mind.
With an emphasis on breath, energetic locks (bandhas) and learning each posture correctly, each student works to their own ‘end-point’ in the series. With the option of led-classes and Mysore-style self-practice, Ashtanga is a journey of self-discovery that leaves no stone unturned!
Ashtanga Yoga may look like bending your body – and it is, to some extent. But more important than what you do with your body is how you use your mind. Where you focus is important. If you spend the whole time watching those around you, the inevitable comparisons will start. This is not beneficial. To still the mind, the gaze (or drishti, to give it its proper Sanskrit name) must be concentrated on one point specific to each pose. You will learn the correct drishti along with the poses in a class with a teacher. Once breathing and drishti are correct, you will learn about other aspects of the practice such as bandhas (or energy ‘locks’).
