ASHTANGA YOGA

“Ashtanga is a vigorous, sweat-producing style of yoga that purifies your body from the inside out. Three points of attention create the foundation for the practice: yoga poses (asanas), yogic breathing techniques, and a specific gazing point for each movement. The poses are arranged sequentially so that each pose builds on the previous one in ever-increasing levels of difficulty.

Ideally, you should learn one pose at a time directly from a teacher. If you are practicing on your own, give yourself time to learn the full sequence slowly rather than jumping ahead to poses that look like fun… You will have the best results if you build your healing practice from the beginning to the end and allow yourself to become acclimated to each new movement and place careful emphasis on breathing deeply rather than on the perfection of physical form… Regardless of whether you attempt only the Sun Salutation or try the full practice, you will generate the detoxifying sweat that this method is known for.

Ashtanga Yoga is more than just an exercise routine; it is a body awareness technique that helps you experience deeper levels of peace, increased energy, better health, and greater happiness. At all stages of your yoga journey, remember to listen to your body and respect your limitations whether they are physical, mental, or emotional. The inner journey cannot be rushed, and one of yoga’s greatest lessons is that of patience and acceptance.”

From The Power of Ashtanga Yoga by Kino MacGregor