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Ashtanga Narayani
Ashtanga Narayani
What is Ashtanga Yoga?
Ashtanga Yoga is a daily method of yoga involving synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures. This process produces intense internal heat and a purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The results are improved circulation, a light and strong body and a calm mind.
Ashtanga is traditionally taught in the “Mysore” style: a supervised self-practice. The same series of asanas (poses) are practiced each day. New poses are introduced by the teacher once the student memorizes and becomes proficient in the previous asanas in the sequence. People of all ages and health can practice Ashtanga. A student works with the teacher to advance at their own rate.*Source*: Ashtanga Yoga Nilayam
Where does Ashtanga Yoga come from?
The term “Ashtanga Yoga” comes from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, a nonsectarian philosophy condensed into a series of succinct phrases encapsulating 8 limbs of yoga practice and philosophy transcribed from an oral teaching thousands of years old.
The Ashtanga sequence of postures and vinyasa-krama (movement with breath) methodology taught at Ashtanga Narayani comes from the South Indian city of Mysore, where the system was refined and shared by Krishnamacharya through the royal palace in Mysore beginning in the 1920s. Krishnamacharya learned this practice from his teacher Rama Mohan Bramachari in the Himalayas.
What can I expect in my first class?
This system is traditional to the yogis of India from time immemorial and is passed on directly from teacher to student, generation to generation.
Visit this page for more information for new students.
As the moon cycles, its gravitational pull affects the tides, the movement of water within the earth, plants, organisms, and within our bodies. This is especially noticeable on new and full moon days, and in this particular tradition we take advantage of these days to rest from any strenuous activity. Mysore practice takes a pause on these days and the shala is closed for rest.
The method taught at Ashtanga Narayani is tailored to individuals of all ages and life experiences. That being said, please let me know if you have any conditions, injuries, or concerns so we can mindfully consider them as you grow and heal. I also ask that you listen carefully and compassionately to your body. Moving carefully with each breath gives us access to the deep healing qualities of the practice. I encourage you to step into this opportunity and will be honored to meet you wherever you are.
I honor an agreement of mutual respect and equality within the shala and strive to create a safe container for each individual’s practice, careful to offer physical assistance with consent, and after respectful and careful observation of each individual’s practice. I encourage everyone to communicate with me on days or in situations where physical touch is unwanted. If you have any physical injuries or history that you feel I should be aware of to better support you and your practice, please communicate with me in the shala or contact me here if you need to reach me outside of class.
Can I practice on my menstrual cycle?
During practice, this system of yoga actively pulls the core of the body’s engagement upward, impeding the downward movement of apana vayu. This being the case, menstruating practitioners are advised to rest from practice for the first 3 days of their cycle to allow apana to flow downward without any restriction so as to maximize the healing and restorative benefits of this time in their cycle.
Do you offer sliding scale or alternative payment options?
Sliding scale and alternative payment options are available and prioritized for indigenous, trans, and POC practitioners, public school teachers, and single mothers to support regular and sustaining practice. Please reach out before signing up to discuss options.