| |
|
I have been training as a yoga instructor all month in the Ashtanga
discipline. This form of Hatha Yoga was invented by Pattabe Jois within the
last 80 years, and it is based on a manuscript that was recently found called
the "Yoga Karunta." It is a combination of Breath (Pranayama), Gaze
(Drishti), and poses (Asana). The language that I am spouting is Sanskrit,
which is used because it is believed to hold the meaning of words in its
sounds. Ashtanga yoga has eight limbs, including Self observation,
Observation of Others, breath, physical practice, and some other more obscure
things like absorption into the universal... not that that's that
obscure.
Ashtanga is extremely fast paced. There are six series, only one of which
I know. It is a breath by breath change, involving lots of pushups and the
primary series is all forward bends. The practice is based around a sun
salutation, which is more widely known. A sun salutation is a short movement
sequence in honor of the sun. It is a vinyasa in Ashtanga and you do one in
between each pose.
Ashtanga is not for everyone. It is very athletic and not very
therapeutic if there is already something wrong with you. However, it is one
of the most preventative yogas. It is referred to as the ultimate health
maintenance system. For a month I have practiced Ashtanga with people that
have aged, and this is inspiring. They look incredible. It gives one drive,
organization, energy and emotional resilience. I am happier than I have ever
been after being immersed in this. I do not need to sleep more than 4 hours.
My body is resilient. One of my teachers rolled his ankle the other day and
because of all the ankle exercises, it just popped right back into place.
Crazy stuff. I highly recommend it.
|
|
