Ashtanga Yoga
Once you have found an authorised or certified teacher, contact them and find out which classes you can attend. Some require a commitment of payment upfront for a set number of weeks; others may run drop-in classes where you pay as you go. Remember – you get out what you put in, so don’t be put off by a regular commitment to a class.
If you do not live close to an authorised teacher, look for someone who has a long commitment to the practice of yoga and who has studied in Mysore and with certified teachers around the world.
Class Structure
This will depend on the teacher and the type of class. In a class full of complete beginners the teacher will usually introduce and demonstrate each pose and the class will learn them together.
A ‘led-class’ is when the teacher calls out each of the poses in the sequence and counts you through each one. Everyone in the class moves at the same pace, stopping when they reach their personal ‘end point’ in the series.
‘Mysore-style’, or self-practice, is the traditional way to practice Ashtanga yoga. The teacher is in the room, walking around and providing help and adjustments as they see fit, but everyone works on their own practice at their own pace. At first this can seem very strange. There is often an expectation that to attend a class means you will be told what to do, and when.
But when you really think about it, who is that going to help in the long run? If you assume that someone else will take responsibility, motivate you, encourage you and tell you where to be and when, this removes all sense of personal responsibility – along with any chance of personal growth. This lesson holds true in life as well as in yoga.
The practice of Ashtanga Yoga positively encourages you to take responsibility for your own practice. Yes, there is help available. Yes, there are those who will encourage and inspire you. But ultimately, you are there on your mat for yourself. You will learn much, much more practicing in this way. And you will enjoy it more, too!
A Week in Mysore
If you already know the asana sequence, and wish to practice at home following the Mysore tradition of practice days, this is the schedule.
Sunday: led-practice – either primary or second series
Monday: self-practice
Tuesday: self-practice
Wednesday: self-practice
Thursday: self-practice
Friday: led practice – primary series only
Saturday: rest day
Rest Days
In addition to Saturdays, Moon Days are also taken as rest days. The theory behind this is that at times of the New and Full moon, the energy of the universe is particularly weak or strong. This can lead either to sluggishness, and a ‘forced’ practice; or an intensely energetic, overly hyperactive practice. Both of these have the potential to result in injury; therefore we do not practice on Moon Days.
Ladies are also advised to take a break from practice for the first three days of their monthly period. At this time, the energy of the body is focused downward. As much of the practice concentrates on drawing energy upwards through the body, it is logical to avoid practicing at this time so as not to confuse natural bodily rhythms.
Many advanced practitioners will tell you that continuing to attend classes during this time can lead to the cessation of your periods entirely, which is not good for the health!
What to wear
It is important to be comfortable, but not to wear clothes than inhibit movement. I find three-quarter length trousers ideal, along with a fitted (but not too tight) top. Baggy t-shirts may reveal more than you bargained for in some poses and longer trousers can get in the way. Any clothes that don’t fit well and require lots of tugging and adjusting will be a distraction, which is unhelpful.
What to bring
A yoga mat, if you have one. If you do not, check with your teacher prior to arrival – some studios rent them out, at others they are free to borrow. If you are interested in purchasing your own mat, I have a few favourites you might want to consider. The eco-yoga mat has a sticky side, which doesn’t slip on studio floors, and a woven hemp side to stop your feet sliding around. The manduka mat is very well-cushioned and hard-wearing, although it is very heavy.
A sweat towel, or small towel. Ideally, one should leave the sweat on the skin until it is dry. However, sometimes the amount of sweat produced can prevent you opening your eyes, in which case it is useful to have a towel on hand.
A clean body! It is polite to shower or bathe prior to practice, both out of respect to fellow students, your teacher, and the practice itself. Yogis believe than a clean body is important if we are to achieve a clean (and clear) mind. This has the additional positive side-effect that any sweat produced is less likely to cause offence to those around you.
An open mind. Come to class without expectation, either of yourself, your classmates, or your teacher.
What not to bring
Water… unless you leave it in your bag, to drink after class. One of the main benefits of the practice is the heat it generates, which is believed to assist the body and mind in ridding toxins and toxic accumulations. To drink water during practice would eliminate this benefit. It also interrupts the flow of the asana.
Any extra ‘things’. It is unhelpful to have bags, ipods, shoes, clothes or any other items in the practice space. This inhibits the teachers’ movements as they walk around the room and can be a distraction for other students.
