ASHTANGA YOGA

We teach traditional Mysore style Ashtanga yoga, a dynamic sequence of asanas linked with movement, breath, and gaze point. Ashtau means 8 and anga means limbs. While asana (yoga postures) is an important part of the Ashtanga Yoga practice it’s only one of 8 limbs. 

The Ashtanga/Mysore approach to yoga is unique because it uses the tools of dristis (gaze points) pranayama (breath control) and asana (physical postures). Using tristhana, the tools, helps us to make a healthy, lean, flexible body and cultivates a steady,focused mind. All students begin by learning the primary series of postures at their own pace according to their abilities. This allows for anyone to begin and develop a daily yoga practice. My teacher Sharathji is always quoted as saying “yoga is for everyone but not for lazy people.” Most students start with three days of practice per week working up to a fuller schedule. 

New students are NOT expected to know the sequence, have prior experience with yoga, identify as physically strong, or be flexible. During a morning session a teacher may use a verbal cues, hands on adjustments, or demonstrations as teaching tools. While the room remains quite with only the sounds of breath and shuffling bodies there is room for applicable embellishment and questions durring and after Mysore sessions.

While it is nice to learn in the classroom I’m available by email to students should questions come up off of the mat.  

Ladies, you’re asked to take three days of rest when you are on your cycle. The body releases hormones that allow for the uterus to dilate and expel moon blood from the body. Light stretching and long walks are advised but lifting or engaging the pelvic floor is counter indicated. Doing asanas the require a large range of motion can cause harm due to the bodies temporary instability. It’s nice to use that time to become more aware of the body, her rhythms, and her changing needs through cycles.

Women who no longer get their cycle are advised to take extra rest around the moon days or as needed. 

Interested students, if you have any further questions or are interested in begging a month of study at AYB I would love to hear from you! You may email me at AshtangaYogaBuffalo@gmail.com or head to the contact form.