Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga refers to a dynamic style of yoga whereby long series of yoga asanas (postures) are performed in a fixed sequence in combination with focussed breathing. These sequences aim to open and stimulate healing in all parts of the body. During the performance of asanas, the practitioner aims to maintain internal body awareness at all times, through focus on the breath, direction of the gaze and the contraction and retention of internal muscles (known as bandhas, or locks). While the series promotes athletic ability, health and well-being in general, the asanas of Ashtanga Vinyasa primarily focus on straightening the spine, helping prepare the practitioner for more profound states of meditation. Regular performance of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga enables one to sit with a straight spine, becoming more aware of the circulating subtle nerve currents.
Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga was brought into the light by Sri Tirumali Krishnamacharya, a scholar, Ayurvedic healer and dedicated yogi, in the city of Mysore beginning in the 1930’s. Though Krishnamacharya never traveled outside of India, Ashtanga Vinyasa was spread throughought the world by his students, and students of his students, namely K Pattabi Jois. Through the dedicated practise of Ashtanga one becomes aware of many new possibilities – the aim is that the practioner discovers new possibilities for herself – the practise itself teaches us! True yoga is much more than performing a set of postures; it is an entire way of life. According to the original texts on yoga, the definition of yoga is “bringing to an end the modifications of the mind.” In other words, yoga is a collection of techniques to gradually quiet all the disturbances and distractions in the mind, thereby returning to a natural way of being, of being who we really are. The postures, or asanas, practiced in accordance with their respective dristhi and ujjayi breath, are designed support us on the path.
In the physical sense Ashtanga may appear an advanced form of yoga only for people in good condition. However, the Sanskrit name for the Primary series, Yoga Chitska means Yogic Healing. When practiced correctly, the aim is not advancing gymnastic ability, but rather balancing body and mind.
Here at Asturias yoga we offer two types of Ashtanga retreats . The first, the Full Flow, is for beginners, with little or no Ashtanga experience looking for an introduction. Here we will guide participants through the whole of the primary series, instructing them to a point where they may safely practise on their own.
The second Ashtanga retreat is for those who already know how to practice on their own. Our Mysore Style retreat focusses on assisted self-practice, with workshops on some advanced aspects of the practice
