An Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga
If you are curious about ashtanga yoga, but feel too intimidated to go to a Mysore-style (self-practice) class, please come to this workshop. If you have been practicing yoga for some time, but have never explored ashtanga, this is your opportunity. Truly anyone can practice ashtanga yoga…or according to Sharath Jois, anyone except lazy people! Natale will briefly discuss the fundamentals and philosophy of this system. She will guide you through the beginnings of the primary series in an accessible way and will address any concerns you may have. By the end of the workshop you will have a deeper understanding of this practice and will feel more comfortable to walk into an ashtanga class.
The Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series
An opportunity to be guided through the primary series with the traditional sanskrit count in the classical manner.
“Ashtanga yoga is a vibrant and vigorous traditional practice for the mind and body. The emphasis is on the ujayi breath, on dristhi (gaze point) and on asana itself. Ashtanga consists of six series of postures, however few practitioners move through all series. The ashtanga system is sequential and one only proceeds to the next pose or next series once one has perfected the preceding pose. In this way the body is safely prepared and “unlocked”, ready for each new pose it is given by the teacher.
The first or primary series, “Yoga Chikitsa” (yoga therapy), is deemed the most important as it purifies and detoxifies the body. There are 30 poses in the primary series, including many forward bends. The practice begins with surya namaskar, followed by standing poses, seated poses (with vinyasa), backbends, inversions and closing asanas.
Natale will lead a traditional primary series practice with the sanskrit count, as it is taught in India. The full led primary series requires stamina and flexibility and as such is ideal for those who are regular practitioners.”
www.natakali.com
About Natale:
Natale discovered yoga in London, England in the late 1990s, and in 2003 was inspired to leave everything behind to journey to India to devote herself completely to the practice and spend lengthy periods on retreat in the Himalaya. She lived in Asia for several years, studying and teaching yoga asana, meditation and pranayama in Nepal, India, Indonesia, Thailand and Taiwan. She is a registered, experienced teacher (E-RYT). She began teaching at Yoga Works South Bay when it opened in 2008, shortly after her arrival in LA. She returns to Asia for inspiration whenever she can.
