Yoga School this Weekend

Except for the Point...

Except for the point, the still point, there would be no dance.

– The Four Quartets, T.S. Eliot

It is early on a cool summer morning – the kind that just makes you want to hit snooze and roll over for another hour. But you are not in bed; you are on your mat. You’ve joined a unique group of individuals world-wide who continue a daily tradition that dates back thousands of years. The tradition known outside of India as Mysore practice.

Your first ujjayi breath summons the spirit of the enigmatic Patanjali. The room, otherwise quiet and empty, is filled with the sound of your breath and is energized. Whether practicing alone at home, with others in a yoga studio or at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute shala in Mysore where often it is so crowded that the yoga mats touch each other, you are transformed.

Mysore practice is a method that makes Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, often considered an extremely vigorous yoga practice, accessible to everyone. The practice is not led by a teacher. The level and number of poses varies with everyone. Without the ‘pressure’ to stay with the teacher’s count, you have the luxury of following your own personal rhythm, maintaining focus by listening to your breath and using the dristi – the still point of concentration. This individualization allows the teacher to work with you one on one. It encourages you to work and explore each pose independently at your current level in the series; to go within. Most importantly, you develop consistency.

Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the teacher of this method, reminds all of us to “Do your practice and all is coming.” One of the important things that ‘is coming’ is the realization that the practice itself, done with consistency, is the real teacher. This is the magic of Mysore.

Treat yourself to something special – City Yoga Summer 2008 Mysore Practice hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 6AM – 8AM.

Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.

Thanks to Lars for this beautiful description.

Notes from the Shala...

Asana and injury, and the purpose of stopping at postures you have not yet mastered...


Regarding asana and injury, Sharath explained that many people get frustrated when they have injury (yoga or otherwise) - many people also feel to not practice when injured. He explained that the yoga will heal you! If you are injured and you use the breath and bandhas properly, modifying as you need in the asanas, your yoga practice will heal your body. Thus, when you do become injured continue to practice each day, simply modify the asanas as necessary.

Sharath was also asked why he stops us in asanas, what is the purpose, and should we follow this prescription for our practice once we return home. I loved loved loved that she asked this question - because back home in Orlando so many people want to keep going keep going - people do led practice all the time so why should they stop in mysore with asanas they obviously cannot do - it behooves me but then again it is obvious that some people really don't get the WHY. Well Sharath explained that when he stops us at a posture we have not mastered, we are forced to think about and work on that asana instead of spending the whole of our lives just doing the postures and never mastering ANY! He explained that when we do the entire practice in this way we are never doing yoga, we are merely doing stretches in some order. When we stop at an asana we cannot preform with ease of breath and movement, we will spend more time and more focus on that asana until we do eventually get it. He told a story of how Guruji didn't give him any new postures in over two years at one point when he was working on fifth series. I have always told my students that it doesn't matter which posture you are stuck on, becasue you will ALWAYS be stopped somewhere - so let us not mull over our own egos - instead let's enjoy this amazing journey!

The Beloved Festival

2008 Open Air Sacred Art & Music Festival

Beloved August 15th - 17th

a many-hued tapestry of music, dancing, playing and praying to open our hearts to the One Spirit of all peoples, plants and the planet. dissolving the illusion of separation through music, art, workshops, councils, performances, dancing, camping, kids, yoga kirtan, special guests and more.

A little more about Michiko...

Where are you from originally?
I was born in Germany (my dad worked for American Express) and grew up mostly in Central Washington.
What brought you to your first yoga class?
I attended my first yoga class while traveling in India. I attended a one week workshop in Rishikesh where we learned Surya Namaskar A and B. However, the primary focus was breath and philosophy. It was an amazing experience. Most tourists in Rishikesh were there to practice yoga, learn sanskrit, and be close to the Ganga.
Do you participate in any other kind of consistent physical exercise?
Before finding yoga, I had two knee surgeries (a result of several skiing injuries and a volley ball injury) which limited my physical activities to hiking and bike riding. I limited my activities because I was afraid of reinjuring my knees. Once I began practicing yoga, I felt a renewed confidence and trust in body. I still feel a little trepidation about my knees, but that fear no longer inhibits my physical pursuits.
What are you reading right now?
I am currently on a Japanese literature kick and am reading "The Warrior Kumagai."
Do you have a hobby or interest that you have that we don't know about?
I am currently not engaged in any hobbies. I am busy learning how to be a mother, a wife, and a multiprofessional woman.

Michiko has recently returned from maternity leave and teaches the popular Sunday 4pm Level 1 class.

Flowers

Though it was snowing this morning, we still have fresh flowers from Elaine's garden. Many of you remember the amazing arrangements that Elaine made for the studio last summer, this year I hope to take pictures for the blog. Thank you so much Elaine and John! (above: rhododendron, forget-me-not, pasque and trumpetvine).

A little about Shannon...

Where are you from originally? Born in Fairbanks, Alaska, but raised in Puyallup, WA - but am an Eastern Washingtoner (is that a word?) at heart - Go Cougs!

What brought you to your first yoga class? Curiosity & Burn Out from other forms of exercise and it's continued stress on my knees and other joints....mainly curiosity is what made me search the web for a Yoga Studio in Spokane...which brought me to 2 websites....I found City Yoga and the rest is history!

What was your experience? Both challenging, intimidating, and yet not overwhelmingly so....just enough that it continued to peak my curiosity.....how long would I have to do it before my wrists no longer hurt in downward dog? would I ever be able to hold chaturanga? could I stick with it? would it be enough?

Do you participate in any other kind of consistent physical exercise? not really, when it's nice I'll go for walks with my son Sam (2 1/2) and dog Riley (9).....we used to play recreational co-ed softball, volleyball, and basketball....but ever since I had Sam it's mainly ALL YOGA....

What are you reading right now? LOTS of books - too many at once, I'm trying to get in all these differ net pregnancy books (32 weeks right now) in preparation for hopefully a natural birth this time around, but also am trying to start "The Glass Castle" both out of personal interest and book club selection....And trying to finish "The Yogini" - loaned out by a yoga student so I can pass it on to the next yoga student :-)...

Do you have a hobby or interest that you have that we don't know about? Ooh that's a good one, seems it's changed as my life changes....I could say bookkeeping & report writing since they are now my side job and because Yoga used to be my hobby and I quit my corporate gig to devote more time to my Yoga practice, teaching, and raising a family...but now accounting work doesn't sound like a very fun hobby....right now i enjoy a good nap, look forward to the sun shining and when we get to go to the lake and hang out with friends and family on and off their boats....someday maybe we'll have our own, but until then thanks Mom & Allie and the McCarry's!!! In the winter, I have to say it's watching Sam and Mitch build snowmen in the backyard and Sam trying to ski for the first time at Mom and Allie's cabin - he is so much fun! You can just watch him play and use his imagination and get lost in it with him...he is amazing! My next hobby will be nursing his baby sister Molly when she joins us in August....but then you probably all know about this....

Shannon teaches regularly at City Yoga and is also the bookkeeper extraordinaire!

Ashtanga video...

Guruji in Florida!

I know that this is old news for some of you, but just got these photos from a student of David's who went to see Guruji. I'm sorry for those of you who were going to go from here but got cancelled on - from what I heard: "It was very cool and the shala is gorgeous! He was in good spirits and taught the standing poses the 2nd day and opening/closing prayers each day." Sri Gurubhyo Namaha!