“Mysore” is the traditional Ashtanga method of self-practice developed by K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. We will discuss the history of this method and each student will learn how to work individually within the Ashtanga Vinyasa system, sculpting an appropriate sequence of postures for themselves. This course is for students new to Ashtanga with a basic understanding of yoga as well as seasoned practitioners who attend guided classes at the Yoga Workshop, but who are intimidated by the idea of attending Mysore class.

Exploring Ashtanga is a new series of classes that will highlight different facets of this practice to help students deepen their understanding and enhance personal exploration. Come join us and discover how Ashtanga Yoga is a practice rich with subtleties and endless levels of discovery.

Vinyasa, the signature of Ashtanga Yoga, is the graceful integration of posture, gaze and breath. When practiced correctly, vinyasa brings a tremendous expansion of prana, or vital energy, and this expansion is crucial to Ashtanga’s profound transformational effect. In this workshop, we will explore the vinyasa of the Primary Series. We will practice moving in and out of the postures with a steady and easeful breath, following the flow of prana through the body. We will explore the jump-throughs and jump-backs, and modifications will be offered for everyone.

Some familiarity with the Primary Series is recommended, as we will not address the alignment of the poses themselves. Those who are learning the Primary Series are most welcome to attend, however, and advanced students are encouraged to attend as well. Everyone will walk away with new resources to cultivate a smoother, stronger, and more rhythmic practice.

Take your practice to the next level! Increase your proficiency and deepen your practice of backbends, hip-openers, twists and arm balances. Each posture of the Second Series, also known as the Nadhi Shodhana (the cleansing of the inner rivers), will be explored in detail during the course. Expect a strong, fun, and flowing practice with an emphasis on the dristi, bandha, breath, and mudra.

If you do not already practice Second, this is a great opportunity to be introduced to the core dynamics and tricks of this delightful series. If you’ve been practicing Second Series for a while, this class will serve to deepen the practice and is a great opportunity to practice Second in a group setting!

Students should have completed the Primary Series.

In the Theravaden Buddhist tradition Metta holds a special place as a balance to the focused mental practice of Vipassana. Metta is heart centered. It is the practice of consciously cultivating thoughts of loving kindness towards an ever widening circle of beings; self, those you admire, friends, strangers, those you have difficulties with, and all beings in general. At the same time Metta is a deep concentration practice. This one-day workshop will consist of instruction, seated and walking practice, and some Buddhist philosophy to put the practice into context.