By Kate Lumsden & Catherine Shaddix

What is Ashtanga Yoga?
Ashtanga Yoga (also called Astanga Vinyasa) is based on a systematic sequence of yoga poses (asanas) taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. This practice focuses on synchronization of breath with the continuous flow of movement. It is a vigourous practice that builds heat, endurance, flexibility, strength and mental focus.

What makes the class Mysore-style?
A Mysore-style Ashtanga class is an all levels, self-paced Ashtanga practice. Students are taught the classic Ashtanga sequences pose-by-pose. The teacher assists and adjusts practitioners individually.

Why is it called Mysore-style?
Mysore is a city in the south of India where Ashtanga yoga has been taught since the 1930's. This traditional style of Mysore has students learn postures in a fixed order using a special movement-breathing technique called vinyasa. The vinyasa links the postures together in the dance of the breath.

How do you learn the sequence?
Each student is given their practice (their part of the sequence) according to their ability, one pose at a time. The sense of the word given in this context comes from how the practice is taught in India, where a yoga practice is something that a teacher gives to a student as a spiritual practice.

How long will my practice be?
Since each posture is designed to prepare you for the rest of the series, beginners tend to have a much shorter practice than more experienced students. As they gain strength, stamina, flexibility and concentration, the student is given additional postures. At first your practice may only be an hour long, but with time it could build up to 2+ hours should you choose to do more than one series on a given day.

I'm a total beginner; will I be ok in a Mysore-style Ashtanga class?
Most definitely. In the West, people are accustomed to learning a lot of postures at once, such as in most led yoga classes. The downside is that some postures may be inappropriate for certain students, increasing the risk of injury. The advantage of the Mysore-style format is that it is for everyone because it teaches yoga according to one's individual capacity. From the very first day of your practice you become familiar with the foundations of yoga practice: breath, gaze and internal supports (bandha).

I'm an advanced student; will my practice grow?
Yes. Yes. and Yes. The container of the Ashtanga series is the ideal springboard to let your practice deepen physically, psychologically and spiritually. The nature of the Ashtanga practice leaves no stone unturned, allowing your strengths to reach new heights and your challenges to find ways to shift and fall away as you commit to a regular practice.

I have injuries; can I do Ashtanga?
Because there's the time for the teacher to speak with you individually, if you have trouble with a particular posture, the teacher can offer you a modification that is consistent with the intention of the practice. At The Mindful Body, we are especially keen to help you find ways to not only continue practice but to aid in the body's healing.

My memory isn't the best; how will I know what to do?
If you get confused about the correct sequence of postures or need help with a particular posture, you should let your teacher know at any point during the practice. We are happy to help, no matter how many times you ask. If you are new to Ashtanga or accustomed to led classes, the Mysore-style setting can seem strange at first. But with commitment and a little patience, you will be amazed at how quickly you can learn to do yoga as a self-practice! The Mindful Body also provides a cheat sheet that you can bring to class for easy reference as you grow more familiar with the sequence.

Do I have to get there at 6am? What time do I come?
The studio is open between 6:00am and 9:00am during the week, however, instruction starts at 6:45am. If you are new, it is best to arrive after 6:45am so that the teacher may teach you the sequence. Once you've learned the start of the practice, you can come earlier and start your practice before the teacher arrives, should you so choose. During the afternoon and evening classes, you can also begin (and end) your practice at any time during the window that class is offered.

What's the 'mantram'?
Before starting the asana practice, the teacher and students together offer a chant of appreciation to our teachers in general, and specifically to Patanjali, a historical figure who lived in India in 200 B.C. (historians debate the exact dates of his life), who wrote the "Yoga Sutras," widely considered to be the most authoritative text on classical yoga. The chant is done in Sanskrit, and copies are available at the front desk for reference.

If Ashtanga is meant to be a daily practice, when do you rest?
The Ashtanga method is intended to be a daily practice and students are encouraged to commit to practice at least 3 times a week. Traditionally, we practice every day except for Saturdays and Moon Days (full & new) which occur about twice monthly. It may be very difficult at first to commit to a daily practice, and it often takes one or two years to establish this. So don't be discouraged if you're "only" practicing twice a week at first. Drop-ins are fine for brand new beginners and out-of-town visitors with an established practice.

What advantages lie in practicing Mysore-style Ashtanga Yoga?
Students gain flexibility, strength, stamina, concentration, and general well-being. Each series (there are 6) works on a different aspect of the physical and energetic body. Primary series, the first series undertaken in Ashtanga Yoga, is considered to be a therapeutic practice and works on purifying the organs, toning the core of the body, and opening the hips and shoulders. As well, since the practice is self-paced, students can tailor each day's practice to their needs and the changing conditions of life. The individualized instruction from the teacher allows each student to deepen their native gifts in the practice, as well as rise to whatever challenges are present and move to entirely new levels of yoga asana and energetic integration.

"The reflection of how we deal with our world and with ourselves arises on the yoga mat as we see how we are, moment to moment. Through steady, loving attention to what is true, our deeper wisdom is revealed, and we are transformed." ~ Catherine Shaddix