Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga

"Yoga is the science of joining together the individual self with the higher self, the invisible spark of God that resides within everyone." -Pantanjali (Father of Ashtanga Yoga)

"It takes discipline to be a free spirit." These words of Gabrielle Roth, have taught me a lot about finding freedom and peace within. Both yoga and dance have been key in my journey towards freedom, and healing. The constant search for the truth has brought me to walk this path. It is the shattering and the rebirth.. What arises from the ashes, is the life that I have been blessed with. So here, I offer it to you. May these lessons start you on your journey towards the one true destination we all seek.

Breath and Movement-The Dance Begins

The practice begins and here breath and movement are married. In their union we find the yoga practice. What in the beginning tastes like poisen, eventually becomes the nectar of bliss. Meaning that we must work through the blockages of the body and find freedom. Then we begin to taste the reward to the blissful energy as it is channeled through the body. As the awareness of the breath grows, we can deepen the practice, discovering new possibilities. Where we have breath and movement, we have awareness. I use yoga and dance to compliment each other. Yoga helps me to find discipline and dance helps me to find freedom. Used together, I can bring both aspects into life.

The Foundation

The entire foundation of ashtanga yoga is based upon the dynamic flow of Suryanamaskara "A" and "B", also known as Sun salutations. The idea of blending breath and movement into a serpentine flow is what sets this system of yoga apart from other methods. The essence of this practice is held in the exploration of the two Suryanamaskaras. It is here that we begin the journey and it is here that all answers about the practice live. Before moving into the sun salutations, we explore the internal, subtle world of breath, locks, heat, flow and balance. Just as the essence of the practice is present in the sun salutations, the essence of the subtle internal science of yoga is present in the breath. When we apply the specialized techniques for breath control we move from the mundane into the divine. The simple act of breathing holds the key to life and death.

Breath, Locks & Heat

In addition to breath awarness we look at the bandhas (locks), heat, vinyasa (flow), and prana (life force). These elements form the internal universe of Ashtanga Yoga. The deeper one explores this system the greater the subtle practices become the focal point. We look at ways to gain greater understanding of this invisible realm through the practice of pranayama (breathing techniques).

This explaination of the yogic practice I quote from my teacher David Swenson's book Ashtanga Yoga. For more information on his retreats and training go to www.ashtanga.net

I would also like to mention that in addition to the moving meditaion practices of dance and yoga, I have found great value in the sitting meditation practice of Vipassana. In times of great suffering this practice has allowed me to find equanimity and peace. I would like to thank all those whole have given danna (donations of good will) to make it possible for Vipassana to be brought those who are suffering in the world.

May all beings be free of suffering. May all beings be at peace. May all beings share in harmony.

Here are two sites refrences for an experience of two very different approaches to the practice. I highly recommend working with Robert Hall in Todos Santos, Mexico for a heartfelt and gentle appraoch. For Dharma talks and retreats check him out at www.eldharma.com For a more in-depth and intense experience of Vipassana, I recommend Northfork Vipassana Center. www.mahavana.dhamma.org

MAY ALL BEINGS BE HAPPY!!!