Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Mysore Style

The most intimate, personal and developed way of practicing yoga is also the most traditional, time-honored and historic method. The ‘Mysore Style’ method is named after the city where our teacher Sri K. Pattabhi Jois lives and teaches, continuing this teaching style from his teacher Krishnamacharya. In this special class, you learn to take individual responsibility for your yoga practice and develop a deeply trusting relationship with your teacher. It is perhaps the only way that the more advanced asanas or postures can be learned safely, with proper skill and dedication. By committing yourself fully to one yoga style, one teaching method and a regular practice, you open the door to deeper levels of your body, mind and spirit. (Kino MacGregor)

In a mysore class individuals move through the series of poses most appropriate for their age, their experience, their time limit and their faculties and the teacher is able to assist individuals by way of hand’s on adjustments, or verbal cues and explanations. This interaction between teacher and student is a container where growth can occur safely, when the student is ready. Also unique to the mysore practice is that you can ask questions. Take advantage of this individual attention and make sure you ask the teacher to help you with anything that you'd like help with.

Attending the mysore classes gives you the flexibility to arrive when you want allotting yourself the amount of time you need for your practice. If you are a beginner you will have the opportunity to discover yoga in the way that is best for your individual needs. As an advanced practitioner you will be able to explore your breath, your pranayama practices, or maybe your second series poses in both cases without trying to conform to the pace of the rest of the class.

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