Why Ashtanga?
We live in a culture that seeks a fast fix and a magic pill. I see this so often. In a recent womens gathering, so much information was given from the TCM 5 Element Theory lens- understanding the natural cycles at large, along with energy practices we can do to balance ourselves. It was fascinating and super helpful. Another practitioner gifted us some drops of a Flower Essence- which I do love- however, the “supplement” seemed to overshadow the “work” of actually Doing a practice. The consensus among the women was excitement for something to quick take to immediately relieve unwanted emotional response. I will admit, I felt the essence and it was in fact a great tool for me at this time (I use flower essences in my Emotional Alchemy practice and love what they can do). The point here is, we must remember the power in our practices- How we move through life and what we Do, can be just as much “medicine” as taking a substance…
I am at this point in my life where I feel I am being shown continuously how to trust my own inherent body wisdom. It is this very mission statement that I aim to offer you as well. Now, I want to be clear that it is always wise to heed the call if you seek outside insight from a gifted healer or doctor. It is always great to get a second opinion and work with people who offer helpful insight. What I am writing this blog about is what I actually experienced with a solid, dedicated yoga practice- and how That was truly medicine beyond anything I have experienced before.
I started practicing Ashtanga Yoga in 2012 while living in Maui. This particular method of yoga proved to be a continuous thread for me to follow. In fact, I was introduced to it years earlier while living in Wyoming, however I wasn’t in the clarity to commit. I learned the Ashtanga primary series at the studio of one of the senior teachers of this lineage- a very high caliber teacher who brought it to the US and kept it real. I learned it from a folded sheet of paper I printed, which showed a picture of each of the 65+ poses. The purpose of memorizing the poses was to experience the magic of this moving meditation in your own body. There are led classes, where the teacher instructs each pose. There is Mysore- which is the memorization- no vocal cues, just the teacher coming around and adjusting students to promote the Experience of true alignment.
I showed up at 8 am every morning for 2 months before I moved back home. Traditional Ashtanga is not practiced on Saturdays (to honor Saturn’s disciplinary energy to simply take rest and practice breathwork and meditation). Also days “off” include the New and Full Moon, as well as the first days of the menstrual cycle. These off days deeply honor cycles and pay respect to these natural rhythms at large, which I absolutely love. I can honestly tell you- the benefits I experienced from this practice is huge.
In the begining this practice is challenging to learn and can be intimidating- however- this is the allure of the gift of overcoming obstacles and gaining true confidence. This to me, is the most rewarding.
Ultimate focus to balanced body, mind, and spirit. The “union” is literally Felt- there could be 100 students practicing in the room with you and the focus generated from this practice would have you notice 0- except for your own body and breath.
Experienced flow state- the ultimate expression of spiritual alignment, and offering. The magic of this moving meditation is so transcendent that you are literally transported to a higher level of awareness through your own body and presence.
Magnetized presence. In Ashtanga we develop energetic gates or “locks” which contain our energy and prevents it from “leaking” out and dispersing. I have embodied a groundedness I never knew nor knew I was missing out on.
Excellent digestion. Elimination for me my entire life was Always an issue, most likely an emotional root cause- however- after each practice I experienced regularity and complete elimination. I also expanded my sensuality tremendously.
This is just a few of the experiences I have gained from a disciplined, regular yoga practice in this particular reptitive sequence. The repetition becomes the mirror- the body the teacher, and the lens for how to embody evenness and ultimate alignment. It is my dream to recreate what I had the gift of experiencing. In fact, I actually moved home knowing I would be taking my advanced 300 hour teacher training in Doylestown- which was my soul again leading me to so many different levels and gifts (That’s another story!).
When I had my yoga studio for 3 years in Birdsboro years past my dream landed. We built a beautiful program that empowered many students to experience profound shifts and show up to a dedicated practice. I get to teach in that magical flow state that is so elevated and honestly divine. The power of the practice, the teachings, my own body experiences, along with reading the room- creates an absolutely incredible space. So, my inspiration to you in writing this- is this, with everything I have, I hope to recreate this dedication to Ashtanga Yoga once again. I have a new studio space in Yellowsprings/Chester Springs and would love to have the oppurtunity to teach you this profound practice once again.
Unforunately the drive from Berks county to Chester county is a hurdle for most of my former students, however I am hopeful to cultivate a crop of medicinal yogis! It is my offering to you to come experience this practice at no charge in 2 weeks on Wednesday May 5th at 6:30-7:45pm. It starts with sun salutations A & B, standing, seated, back bends and inversions. All levels are welcome, modifications are available for all. If this is something you are interested in, please reach out to me so I can mark you as registered. The space is limited to 10 students, so I can really focus on sharing the teaching more intimately. I am seeking people who are willing to dedicate to their own empowered embodiment. Monthly passes will be discounted to $50 a month for May and June for all who attend. Future rates are $25 drop in, $80 for the monthly pass.
We will meet Wednesdays at 6:30 starting in May. With a heartfelt wish, I hope to hear from you and look forward to sharing this life changing practice with you. On a note to ease any apprehension here, I admittedly have not been practicing anywhere near the caliber I used to, and it is my intention to open this up to pave the way for a rockin summer and true comfort in your own skin! If you have practiced with me in the past, please do not hesitate to reach out, I would love to practice with you again! Hope to see you, any questions or concerns please reach out. Remember, we all start somewhere! Let’s rise up together! xoxoxo
