Ashtanga is the original “vinyasa yoga”, from which the modern Western forms of Power, Vinyasa, Hot, and/or Flow yoga styles arose. It’s a challenging practice, that inspires exhilaration, despair, bliss, self-judgement, fear, and euphoria - sometimes simultaneously.

Not only do you need to work on the asanas in Ashtanga, you’re also encouraged to focus on three key elements of practice - bandhas (internal energy locks, inherent in every asana) drishti (gaze) and most importantly, ujayi (victorious) breath. Plus, every movement in Ashtanga is accompanied by a specific inhale or exhale of ujayi breath. Besides balancing these elements, the Ashtanga practice, when practiced Mysore (or self-led) style, encourages the student to memorize the sequence of postures over time, with the generous help and guidance of their teacher. While memorization of the postures may seem daunting, it’s quite empowering and truly enhances your practice. This is how Ashtanga is taught in Mysore, India, the birthplace of Ashtanga. Although the physical and mental challenges can be difficult at first, they do create a very deep and authentic form of practice, and help the student develop the ability to create a home practice, too.

I was a young mother of three when I found Ashtanga 13 years ago, and I loved it immediately as it opened me up physically, spiritually and mentally.  I noticed at first only that my body was responding - I was stronger, healthier, slept better and had more energy for my family. Gradually, I began to realize that I was happier, and more conscious. While having children rids you of the self-absorption of youth, doing Ashtanga rids you of the self-absorption of adulthood - the practice cultivates compassion and a lighter approach to daily life.

Perseverance and a positive outlook helped me get through those times when postures just seemed impossible. I found that if I focused first on the ujayi breath and let go of the need to compete with myself (or with anyone for that matter), then everything else would fall into place. The breath is truly key to the Ashtanga practice - it keeps you safe from injury, guides you throughout practice, and makes the body happy. And if the body feels good, the mind and spirit follow. The body should feel good throughout all of practice: don’t fight with it, force it or punish it. Try to make your practice that part of the day when the body is doing something it wants to do, not something it’s required to do.

Ashtanga yoga is meant to be done six days a week for the greatest benefit. This doesn’t always mean a 90 minute class, where you might challenge yourself to the point of exhaustion. Even 15 minutes a day of sun salutations, done mindfully and integrated with breath, bandhas and drishti, can be enough to see positive changes begin to occur. So, do a little bit every day, as much as you can. You’ll never regret rolling out your mat. And, over time, you will see your mind, body and spirit awaken, lighten up and become happier, healthier, stronger.