Ashtanga Yoga Unlimited

Ashtanga Yoga Retreat in Salento, Italy September 8th - 15th!

2012-02-20T02:32:00.000-08:00

Ashtanga yoga paired with the back drop of Southern Italy is an unbeatable combination! We'll be hosting an inspiring week of Ashtanga yoga in Salento, Italy this coming September 8th - 15th! Join us. More information coming soon! Ciao!

Primary Series - Jānu Śīrsāsana A B C

2012-02-19T10:20:00.002-08:00

What is Ashtanga Yoga, Mysore style?

2011-12-13T19:44:00.000-08:00

Upcoming Workshops

2011-11-08T04:49:00.000-08:00

I'll be hosting two workshops in the coming weeks at Yogayama! I challenge those who can make it to join in. On Sunday, November 20th, Beyond the Edge, will be an informative workshop on the fundamentals of Arm Balancing. On Sunday, December 4th, Powerful Surrender, will be an intensive on the dynamics of backbending. The times for both workshops will be from 13:00 - 15:00 (1-3pm).

Beyond the Edge: Exploring the Art of Arm Balancing

Sunday, November 20, 13:00 - 15:00

Yogayama, Stockholm

When delving into arm balances there often come feelings of uncertainty as well as the fear of stepping into the unknown. These feelings are natural, however; we may never realize the inherent strength within if never exploring our edges.

Experience the exhilaration arm balances bring, in a playful and explorative way, while learning the basic elements and foundational techniques to successfully build an arm balance practice. Proper alignment, strength building, as well as, energizing the subtle body will be addressed in this inspiring and informative workshop.

Journey beyond the edge and feel that anything is possible!

Powerful Surrender: Backbending with Strength

Sunday, December 4, 13:00 - 15:00

Yogayama, Stockholm

The paradox with backbending is we must be strong and soft at the same time, uniting the energy of strength and surrender. Learn the basic components of backbending with integrity to the natural flow of the body. In addition, understand and experience the concept of active release. When actively releasing, we use grounding mechanisms to deepen, while fully utilizing the breath. Learn the fundamental techniques that allow the body to find its depth and strength while at the same time letting go.

Why Study the Yoga Sutras?

2011-11-06T10:22:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of meeting A.G. Mohan during my most recent trip to India last winter. Words cannot describe how lovely he is. Recently, I was delighted to learn he has his own YouTube channel where there will be regular postings of lectures on yoga philosophy and many of the teachings he attained from his teacher T. Krishnamacharya, also Sri K. Pattabhi Jois's teacher and guru. Enjoy.

No App for Happiness

2011-11-05T06:23:00.000-07:00

David Robson, Thank you!

2011-10-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

We sincerely thank David Robson for making the trip to Stockholm, and inspiring us with his wisdom and experience. We had a great time hosting him and hope to have him back!

If ever in Toronto, his studio is the place to practice with an unprecedented 100+ practitioners a day for morning Mysore! Visit: Ashtanga Yoga Center of Toronto.

The Power of Vulnerability

2011-10-25T23:41:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite talks ever regarding the power of vulnerability. It is an amazing talk, and gets you thinking about strength and where it sits within us. The message is so simple, and yet, completely profound.

BKS Iyengar, circa 1977

2011-10-16T03:09:00.000-07:00

I love this video of BKS Iyengar flying through a myriad of asanas! Enjoy!

Encouraging Words

2011-10-15T03:13:00.000-07:00

Some day you will die.

Lying on your sick bed about to breathe your last, you will be assailed by every kind of pain,

Your mind will be filled with fears and anxieties and you will not know where to go or what to do,

Only then you will realize you have not practiced well.

The skandhas/aggregates (matter, sensations, conceptions, impulses and consciousness) and the four elements in you will quickly disintegrate, and your consciousness will be pulled wherever your ancient, twisted karma leads it.

Impermanence does not hesitate.

Death will not wait.

You will not be able to extend your life by even a second.

How many thousands times more will you have to pass through the gates of birth and death.

If these words are challenging, even insulting, let them be an encouragement for you to change.

Practice heroically.

Do not accumulate unnecessary possessions.

Don’t give up.

Still your mind, end wrong perceptions, concentrate and do not run after the objects of your senses.

Practice diligently.

Be determined not to let your days and months pass by wastefully.

"Encouraging Words," Zen Master Guishan

Moon Days

2011-10-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

The full moon is tomorrow, Wednesday, 12th October. There will be no Mysore class. See you on Thursday!

What's in a moon day? I mean, really, why take the day off on the new and full moon? These are questions I often hear when teaching yoga. As you know, not all yoga teachers observe moon days, which is totally fine. It's not like you will burst into flames if you practice on a moon day. However, there is a perfectly logical reason as to why no practice is recommended, especially those who practice Ashtanga yoga 6 days a week.

Not everyone is a 6 day a week practitioner which is something that is built up over time. When working in this cycle, taking Saturdays off, possibly practicing at the same time everyday, you start to become attuned and sensitive to the cycles of the earth, or better said, the universe. It makes sense really, because everything is connected. The more you practice the more connected you become to the energies of your body as well as the energies that flow all around. At least this has been my experience. This extends to seasonal cycles, as well as, to my own female cycles. More than ever, I feel connected to the rhythms of my body, thankfully due to sustained, regular practice. No matter what rhythm you find yourself in today, whether practicing 3 days a week, or 6, consistency, is truly the hallmark to building on these energies. I've seen practitioners who started out practicing like gangbusters, every single day, including moon days and Saturdays, to soon experience burn out. Then long stints of no practice. So, with that being said, set a workable rhythm then build up to more, in time, as mental and physical strength increases. Rome wasn't built in a day. Also, keep in mind, taking little bites daily, possibly 6 days a week, is a better way to go than super long, intense practices 3 days a week. I'm sure I've driven my point home here. No matter how you slice it, practice is good for the soul! Just remember to relax about it all, and at the same time, rise to the occasion with a bit of enthusiasm!

Another thing to consider is the polarity of energy that occurs on the full and new moon. In that, on the full moon, the energy is quite high and expansive, and on the new moon, more low and contracted. When living in these energetic extremes it is a good idea to take it easy. Again, a recommendation to those who practice the traditional 6 days.

What if I couldn't care less about the full and new moon, you ask?

Well then, continue doing what you are doing. Practicing on moon days does not mean, like I said before, you will burst into flames, and be sent straight to hell. Excuse my sarcasm, hahaha. This isn't a guideline to stifle you. It's just a guideline, simply put. Also, it is important to take into account that Sri K. Pattabhi Jois came from a family of astrologers, and the observance of moon days carried personal significance for him that extended to his teaching. Out of respect, the tradition of not practicing on the full and new moon has been carried on by his students. Also, one can think of it as a way to just be, beyond the practice, observing detachment, remembering that our daily ritual is a tool toward union (yoga), nothing else.

Here is what one of my favorite teachers has to say about moon days, Tim Miller:

Like all things of a watery nature (human beings are about 70% water), we are affected by the phases of the moon. The phases of the moon are determined by the moon’s relative position to the sun. Full moons occur when they are in opposition and new moons when they are in conjunction. Both sun and moon exert a gravitational pull on the earth. Their relative positions create different energetic experiences that can be compared to the breath cycle. The full moon energy corresponds to the end of inhalation when the force of prana is greatest. This is an expansive, upward moving force that makes us feel energetic and emotional, but not well grounded. The Upanishads state that the main prana lives in the head. During the full moon we tend to be more headstrong.

The new moon energy corresponds to the end of exhalation when the force of apana is greatest. Apana is a contracting, downward moving force that makes us feel calm and grounded, but dense and disinclined towards physical exertion.

The Farmers Almanac recommends planting seeds at the new moon when the rooting force is strongest and transplanting at the full moon when the flowering force is strongest. Practicing Ashtanga Yoga over time makes us more attuned to natural cycles. Observing moon days is one way to recognize and honor the rhythms of nature so we can live in greater harmony with it.

I really love how Tim expresses honoring the rhythms of nature which in turn pulls us to live in greater harmony with it. Yes, we live in a modern world, however greater connection to the Earth's cycles has a way of awakening us to our true nature, instead of pulling us away from it. Let's face it, we are inundated with much that pulls us away from our intuitive forces. Utilizing our connection with the Earth gives us power, it nourishes us, it sustains us, we become revitalized by it. If you think about it, no matter how much man may pillage the Earth, she is ever giving, always bountiful. Something to consider.

Lastly, let's get real, the importance of rest is critical! We have to give our bodies a day here and there to integrate, renew and repair. I feel observing moon days is the perfect way to do just that. When resting accordingly I often find I come back stronger, and more focused. I am sure many of you can attest to that.

And, weeelllll, it has to be said, for a teacher who practices 6 days a week, and teaches 6 days a week, an extra day off every other week is an awesome thing!!!! I'm so happy you all understand!

Hugs,

laruga*

Sūryanamaskara B

2011-10-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

Sun Salutations are more than just a warm up. They give us the opportunity to experience the uniting forces of movement and breath. Magic happens. Moving and breathing through 5 cycles of Sūryanamaskara A and Sūryanamaskara B, we set a rhythm for the body, delving ever deeper into a moving meditation.

Is it possible to achieve stillness in movement?

You better believe it!

Namasté
laruga*

Sweat it Out!

2011-10-08T09:04:00.000-07:00

When teaching I often get apologies from students about their sweating. So, I must reiterate that sweating is a good thing! I like when I see students sweating! The culmination of breathing with sound (ujjayi), and vinyasa (breath synchronized movement), sweating is often the by product, and is a very healthy by product, in fact.

Unfortunately, we live in a toxic world. We are inundated with toxins at the highest level in human history so with that being said, sweating becomes an important element in maintaining health, while detoxifying our system. Sweat it out!

One of my early Ashtanga yoga teachers would often say you must sweat and laugh everyday to be happy! I like the sound of it. So simple. Sweat it out! It is as easy as that.

Here are a few tips as to why sweating is such a good thing. Enjoy.

Cheers,

laruga*

David Robson, ONE Day Workshop, Saturday, Oct 22!!

2011-09-20T22:29:00.000-07:00

We are so happy to have David Robson back in Stockholm for a one day, jam packed, exhilarating workshop! He brings with him an amazing passion and insight for the practice of Ashtanga yoga. This is not to be missed! Personally, I feel he is one of the most talented and committed teachers of his generation, in the world. To have built what he has in the Toronto yoga community is something that is never easy, but is a testament to his sincere vision and energy to those he teaches this transformative practice to. However, don't take my word for it, experience for yourself. There will be something to be learned no matter what level in the practice you find yourself in. All levels welcome.

Saturday, October 22, 2011 at Yogayama

Led Primary 9:00 - 11:00AM
Join David Robson for the Led Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga following the traditional Sanskrit count. All levels of practitioner are welcome to attend.

The Practice and Philosophy of Vinyasa
12:00 - 2:00PM
In Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, vinyasa means moving/breathing system. More specifically, it also refers to counted movements that are done in our practices. The vinyasa system, when followed correctly, makes the Astanga practice a moving meditations. This workshop will explore the philosophy and practice of vinyasa as it is traditionally taught in Ashtanga Yoga. It's open to all levels.

Arm-Balancing 3:00 - 5:00PM
In the Astanga practice there are many movements that require us to put all of our weight into our hands. Jump-backs, jump-throughs, and the particular vinyasa from certain poses are all moments of arm-balancing. This workshop will teach you the principles of alignment and technique that are common to all arm-balances, and will help you find more ease in the air. This workshop is open to practitioners of all levels.

Bio
David Robson lives in Toronto, Canada, with his wife, Stan, his daughter Mercedes, and son Holden. He is the co-owner and director of the Astanga Yoga Centre of Toronto, where he leads one of the world's largest Mysore programs. In 1998, while completing a degree in Comparative Religion, David began a daily yoga practice. He made his first trip to India in 2002, where he initiated studies with his teacher Sharath Jois. Since then, David has returned annually to deepen and enrich his practice and teaching. He is Level-2 Authorized by the Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute.

Website
Blog

Photos by EK Park, www.torontobodymind.ca

Yoga Gives Back Highlights!

2011-09-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

A sincere thank you to all who participated in our Yoga Gives Back Global Event last Saturday. We had fun didn't we!!!? Really, I can't think of anything more exhilarating than an inspiring yoga class with inspiring people, all the while giving to a good cause! Yay!

We all know what significance the practice of yoga has had on our lives, and the work of the YGB organization specifically working with practitioners of yoga brings our efforts full circle, helping the women of India build a sustainable living for themselves and their families! Through micro-finance, where it was thought that impoverished people were not good candidates for loans, are now offered a chance to climb out of poverty and into their dreams.

If you would like to learn more about Yoga Gives Back, or participate in the next event, or would simply like to donate, please visit, www.yogagivesback.org!

Practicing with Injury

2011-07-20T00:13:00.000-07:00

This is amazing. The man in the video is recovering from a broken femur (thigh bone) and STILL manages to find a way to practice. Absolutely, amazing. Nothing is impossible. The only thing that needs to change is how we look at things.

Guru Purnima

2011-07-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

Guru Purnima.

Celebrated on the full moon in July. An auspicious time to give thanks to our teachers! Guru, literally means leading one from darkness to light. To the light of our true and undying nature.

Purnima, is the Sanksrit word for Full Moon.

With gratitude, I give thanks for the blessings and wisdom passed on by those who have vigorously steeped themselves into study and practice. Whatever tradition it may pertain to.

Tim Miller & The Yoga Sutras

2011-07-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

Śāntih Mantra

2011-05-21T00:32:00.000-07:00

Saha Nāvavatu

Saha Nau Bhunaktu

Saha Vīryam Karavāvahai

Tejasvi Navadhitamastu

Mā Vidvisāvahai

Om śāntih, śāntih, śāntih

Translation

Let us together be protected

Let us together be nourished

Let us together join our mental forces in

strength for the benefit of humanity.

Let our efforts at learning be luminous and

filled with the force of purpose.

Let us never be poisoned with the seeds of hatred for anyone.

Let there be peace and serenity.

Peace, Peace, Peace

The above mantra is one of my favorites. I've begun chanting it at the very end of Led Primary Series class on Sunday morning after taking rest. The beauty of the words connect the relationship between teacher and student. Ultimately revealing that both roles unite as one between the dance of teaching and learning.

I remember, just like it was yesterday, when chanting "Om" felt entirely foreign to me. I barely could squeak out a sound without feeling silly and insecure. Now, I'll chant to anyone who will listen! Hahaha. The beauty of the Sanskrit language is that it is vibrational in nature. Even if we don't know what the words mean, when speaking or chanting them, through repetition, the vibration will settle into our being and take affect. We experience the meaning. Truly amazing.

laruga*

In Loving Memory . . .

2011-05-18T03:51:00.001-07:00

Today marks the two year anniversary of Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois's passing. Lovingly, named Guruji by his students. It's hard to describe in words this remarkable teacher, man, husband, father, and grandfather. For, he is the true testament of the immense power one person can hold. An example of what we all share! He humbly affected the lives of so many. Not only that, but deeply touched them. Even those who have never personally interacted with him have been touched by him and this truly rich practice.

Though my time with him felt short it is one that will burn in my heart forever. Moved, is one word. Moved in a way I wasn't even expecting. Beforehand, I had heard the legend, but to witness the devout passion that emanated from him was another. Being one who doesn't necessarily like to show emotion in front of others, I found myself awash in tears after my first class. This during my first trip to Mysore, India. It was a special time. A time I consciously decided to open.

What's remarkable was his deep love for yoga and passionate commitment for teaching it. He seemed to hold an endless source of energy. Retirement was a non issue. Why? Because he lived who he was.

Thank you, Guruji.

laruga*

Shedding Layers

2011-05-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

As you get to know me, you will come to understand that I have this ongoing love affair with books. I love, love to read. I love reading about things that matter. I love reading about things that stretch and blow my mind. I love reading for pure entertainment. Yes. Even as cliché as it sounds, I devoured everyone of Stieg Larsson's books. I just couldn't help myself, haha.

My current read, "After The Ecstasy, The Laundry: How the Heart Grows Wise On the Spiritual Path," by Jack Kornfield, I came across a beautiful passage that has a Swedish connection. I thought I would share it with you all, and maybe you're already familiar with it. I'm a big believer that we can access parts of ourselves through myth and story. This one in particular held resonance in regards to the process we experience through yoga practice. Essentially, shedding layers. A gradual process. Not always easy, even challenging. When we let go, we find what we have been looking for all along, and it's never outside ourselves.

"A traditional Swedish story gives a sense of the next phase of journey. Because of the mishaps of her parents, a young princess named Aris must be betrothed to a fearful dragon. When the king and queen tell her, she becomes frightened for her life. But recovering her wits, she goes out beyond the market to seek a wise woman, who has raised twelve children and twenty-nine grandchildren, and knows the ways of dragons and men.

The wise woman tells Aris that she indeed must marry the dragon, but that there are proper ways to approach him. She then gives instructions for the wedding night. In particular, the princess is bidden to wear ten beautiful gowns, one on top of another.

The wedding takes place. A feast is held in the palace, after which the dragon carries the princess off to his bedchamber. When the dragon advances toward his bride, she stops him, saying that she must carefully remove her wedding attire before offering her heart to him. And he too, she adds (instructed by the wise woman), must properly remove his attire. To this he willingly agrees.

"As I take off each layer of my gown, you must also remove a layer." Then, taking off the first gown, the princess watches as the dragon sheds his outer layer of scaly armor. Though it is painful, the dragon has done this periodically before. But then the princess removes another gown, and then another. Each time the dragon finds he too must claw off a deeper layer of scales. By the fifth gown the dragon begins to weep copious tears at the pain. Yet the princess continues.

With each successive layer the dragon's skin becomes more tender and his form softens. He becomes lighter and lighter. When the princess removes her tenth gown, the dragon releases the last vestige of dragon form and emerges as a man, a fine prince whose eyes sparkle like a child's released at last from the ancient spell of his dragon form. Princess Aris and her new husband are then left to the pleasures of their bridal chamber, to fulfill the last advice of the wise woman with twelve children and twenty-nine grandchildren.

As in a dream, all the figures in such a story can be found within us. We find the scaly dragon and the attending princess, the wise grandmother, the irresponsible king and queen, the hidden prince, and the unknown one who cast his enchantment long ago. What this story reveals from the start is that the journey is not about going into the light. The forces of our human history and entanglement are tenacious and powerful. The path to inner freedom requires passing through them. Receiving grace, opening to illumination, becoming wise has not been easy even for the masters. It is describe as difficult purification: cleansing, letting go, and stripping away. Suzuki Roshi called it a "general housecleaning of the mind." It is painful to cast off our own scales, and the dragons guarding the way are fierce. It requires the inspiration of angels; it requires diving into the ocean of tears."

(After The Ecstasy, The Laundry: How The Spiritual Hearth Grows Wise On The Spiritual Path, by Jack Kornfield)

One of my personal all time favorite books is Jack Kornfield's, "A Path With Hearth." I've read it twice and found it to be enlightening on many levels. He truly captures the enduring human spirit when traveling down the path of internal discovery, offering many personal accounts.

The great thing about this process is we're never alone. Thank goodness for the community we surround ourselves with. Even when we have friends and/or co-workers who lovingly think we are crazy for doing this practice, we can feel embraced and supported by those who we share it with! Thank you.

Namasté.
laruga*

Moon Day Reminder

2011-05-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

"A quiet mind is all you need. All else will happen rightly, once your mind is quiet. As the sun on rising makes the world active, so does self-awareness affect changes in the mind. In the light of calm and steady self-awareness inner energies wake up and work miracles without effort on your part."

(Sri Nisargadatta Mahara)

Sending out a moon day reminder! There will be no Mysore class on Tuesday, May 17th for the full moon. Traditionally we take rest on the New and Full Moon days as an observance of the extreme pull of energy present on these days. A good time to take rest.

Välkomna!

2011-05-15T06:59:00.000-07:00

Hej och Välkomna!!!

Welcome to our blog supporting those on the path in discovering the vast richness the practice of Ashtanga yoga brings to life. It has been an immense blessing working with those of you who have already begun to attend our Mysore classes. First, I offer a thousand thanks to Yogayama's support in allowing it to be the destination point for what I envision will grow into a dynamic community of practitioners. Second, I've been extremely impressed with those who have embraced the program with enthusiasm. I thank you! It's so true what Pattabhi Jois is famously quoted as saying, "practice and all is coming." Really, there is no better way to put it. Through practice comes learning. Through experience we grow. There are never any magic bullets. Cultivating a daily rhythm, an internal strength begins to build that quite honestly once you get a taste of it, there is no turning back. A still mind and an open heart are the access points to greater joy and peace, the fruits of yoga.

No matter where you find yourself today you are the perfect candidate to learn this self-purifying practice. Pattabhi Jois often said only lazy people are not good candidates for the practice. Where do you fit? One needs nothing but an open mind. No prior experience, no flexibility needed. One doesn't even need to have the sequencing memorized beforehand. The learning happens slowly through experience, step by step. The beauty of Mysore style practice is you come as you are. Nothing more. Noting less.

Starting can be daunting. I know. I've been there. However, often what I hear from new students is, "why didn't I do this sooner!" Just like the picture above represents - a gateway - this is what our Mysore classes are. One only needs to step through and roll out their mats. The most challenging, yet simplest part of the process.

So, getting back to the purpose of this blog is to keep everyone updated with the program, and to be an active resource for students of Ashtanga yoga. I will be updating frequently! Please feel free to comment and/or contact me in regards to the blog content. I appreciate all feedback.

Thank you again! Let the adventure begin! There is so much to discover!

Sincerely with love,
laruga*