My ashtanga experience began with a suggestion from a message therapist that I would benefit from Yoga and the positive experience my daughter had with Yoga Yoga. I had incurred an injury to my wrists and was looking for ways to help strengthen them. I found that the Ashtanga beginner series was available on Sundays alone and I decided to give is t a try in the beginning of September. What I failed to realize at the time was how far reaching this decision would be.

My initial experience with Selena was very welcoming and warm, but and at the same time daunting. After my first session I realized a few things: First, it was exhausting, exhausting to a point I had never experienced before. It was also bewildering-- all the poses, sequences and nomenclature to remember. But there in the very beginning, however, Selena planted a seed. She said if I try to practice two or three times in a week, the series would come more naturally. She also plugged Mysore Star classes as a great way to get started outside the beginner series.

I decided to take her at her word. That first week I explored Kisha's Mysore Star class, and Annick's Saturday 7:30 am class. I found them different in ways I could not explain. Both teachers were encouraging, open to my participation as a beginner and receptive to my efforts. In the next week I learned that Annick's class was Mysore without the star, oops. But I was sold on working with her to stretch myself. She invited me to a workshop on hip and shoulder opening, and I was stretched in ways I could not imagine.

Then I found Mary's Mysore class each morning 6:30-8. This perfectly fit my schedule and offered further stretching of my goals and abilities.

In the course of 70 days or so, with the guidance and encouragement of Selena, Kisha, Mary and Annick, I have found the genesis of my Ashtanga practice. I have grown to practice 6 days a week. I'm more comfortable with the opening chant and other customs, and I know the sequence of sun salutations though some of the sitting poses by heart

While I still have so much to learn about the series, refinements to make and flexibility to gain, I feel warmly embraced from the time I enter the door of the studio until the time I leave. I also can say with complete confidence that all of the Yoga Yoga staff radiate warmth and encouragement.

In this short time I have grown spiritually and become a strong proponent of yoga. I can state with confidence that yoga has become an integral part of my life upon which I depend for nourishment and with which I count myself truly blessed. My only regret if that I failed to find yoga sooner!

Ashtanga Practice

Feet together at the top of the mat.
Hands to the heart with breathing just right,
Chanting together in unison,
Is truly a beautiful sight,

Most vigorous in movement,
Is what I was told,
Challenging poses to embrace,
But noone is too old,

As said to me in opening,
This practice engages you mind,
Focus is on breathing and poses,
Leaving other thoughts behind,

In addition it gathers,
Energy that tends to abound,
When you are done with finishing,
It is hard not to bound,

This practice of mine,
Has become quite sincere,
In my heart,
I hold it quite dear!