Sep 15, 2012

Intermediate Series Demonstration

This is a video from an asana demonstration we did in India in 2010. It was during the Dasara festival (around this time of year). We did two. One was outdoors in front of the Mysore Palace. The other was in the JSS Hospital. Sharath picked a few students to do the demonstration and he led us through some asanas from primary and intermediate series while he spoke on the benefits of practice. 

In general, I prefer not to demonstrate asanas. I think people (myself included) often only see the form. They see the acrobatic feat and think that that person must have been born like that or that it is easy for them or that they can do it because they are old or young or have short or long arms or were dancers or whatever. A bunch of judgements that distance the viewer from the possibilities and potentially disregard the actual story being told. 

That said, something very important and unique to this lineage of Ashtanga yoga is that the people teaching it are people who actually practice and do their absolute best to be living it. To be Authorized or Certified by the KPJAYI is as some have said not an accomplishment, but an obligation. We practice every single day. We continue to make the pilgrimage to Mysore.  We hold ourselves to the highest of standards because we are so small with the great responsibility of sharing an immense tradition.  We are and will always be students first. This I think is very important. 

So I'm posting this demonstration because it tells the story of years of continued daily ongoing uninterrupted unglamorous practice.      

Sep 14, 2012

Mexico Retreat FAQ: Practical Matters by Elise Espat



Q: Do the rooms at Xinalani have electricity? 
A:  Yes.  From Xinalani:
All rooms have very low consumption LED bulbs that give a nice dim ambar lighting at night time, there’s also a reading area. Should you wish to read in your bed at night, please bring a book light or a head light. 
There are two 110 V outlets in each room to plug cameras, cell phones and battery chargers. Xinalani does not allow the use of hair dryers or other high intensity electric devices that could damage the electric installation.

Q: Is there Wi-Fi Access?
A:  Yes and it is free.  From Xinalani:

Wi-Fi is available from the reception/lounge area, the dining patio, the beach, the sundeck, and from most eco-chic suites (1-7). Eco-Chic Suites 14 and 15 do not have Wi-Fi coverage.

Xinalani is located in a remote jungle area with no road access, hence no land telecommunications. For that matter, we had to build a complex VoIP gateway from our office downtown to send the phone and internet signal to the resort. This technology is quite new and it's sometimes unstable, hence not 100% efficient. Don't expect to have the same Wi-Fi service reliability as if you were at your office.

Of course, every guest has different needs or responsibilities, but if there's no emergency, we try to encourage our guests to remain unplugged, it helps to detox and enjoy a deeper retreat and a greater sense of wellness through your retreat. During your stay at Xinalani, procure using the internet only with full awareness of what you're using it for.
For our retreat in March:
If you wish (no obligation) you can take a fast from social or all digital media, to de-frag the hard drive of your mind. There will be experienced, loving (and humorous!) support for anyone taking a media fast for part or all of this week, and for anyone who wishes to deepen their pranayama, pratyhara or sitting meditation practice.  

Q: How do I get pesos? 
A: You might not need any. Your retreat includes your accommodation, meals, yoga classes, taxes, and airport transfer. That only leaves any additional activities and excursions, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities - all of which can be paid in US dollars or by credit card (not AmEx) to Xinalani. If you spend time exploring the local area outside of Xinalani you will probably need some pesos. You can get them before you leave at your bank or once you arrive in Mexico at an ATM.  Xinalani will also exchange money for you.  Please note that there aren't any ATMs at Xinalani or in the area.
Here is an article that talks more about money in Mexico:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g150768-s601/Mexico:Banks.And.Money.html





Q: What are breakfasts like? 
A: Abundant. Fresh and tasty. There is usually a buffet spread at Xinalani with items such as pancakes, muffins, yogurt, granola, fruit, oatmeal, beans, hard boiled eggs and more with a made-to-order option as well.
More about the cuisine & sample menu:
http://xinalaniretreat.com/healthy-cuisine.html

Q: Will we be able to leave our mats in the studio or should we anticipate taking them back to our rooms each day? 
A: It depends. Xinalani has 2 separate studios. The Greenhouse studio will be close to most of the palapas while the Jungle Studio will be a little uphill trek. Depending on the schedule for the day, we might be in one or the other. So while it is possible to leave your mats in the studios, it might make more sense to bring them back with you to your room. They do also have basic mats in each studio for you to use if you'd rather leave your mat at home. 
More about the studios:
http://xinalaniretreat.com/yoga-retreats-puerto-vallarta.html

More FAQs:
Elise's Xinalani Retreat FAQs
Xinalani's FAQ Page

Sep 9, 2012

Moon Days 2013


Days of rest from asana practice.  Here's why.
Moon days might vary depending on where you live.  Check with your teacher for your local dates.

Friday, January 11
Sunday, January 27

Sunday, February 10
Monday, February 25

Monday, March 11
Wednesday, March 27

Wednesday, April 10
Thursday, April 25

Friday, May 10
Friday, May 24

Saturday, June 8
Sunday, June 23

Monday, July 8
Monday, July 22

Tuesday, August 6
Tuesday, August 20

Thursday, September 5
Thursday, September 19

Friday, October 4
Friday, October 18

Sunday, November 3
Sunday, November 17

Monday, December 2
Tuesday, December 17


Aug 29, 2012

Shala Etiquette by Elise Espat

Here are some guidelines that we use at the Albuquerque Ashtanga Yoga Shala for a pleasant and productive practice environment.  Every Shala and teacher is unique, so if you are going some place new, be sure to check in with them about suggestions for practice.


Please respect the lineage, the teacher, other students, and yourself by following these guidelines.

Arrive to practice on an empty stomach. Do not bring any drinks into the Shala.

Turn off all electronic devices before entering the Shala.

Wear clean, comfortable, stretchy clothing similar to what one would wear to the gym. Avoid wearing jewelry and tie back long hair. Shoes are not worn inside the Shala, we practice with bare feet. Do not wear anything with perfumes and shower before practice.

Bring a clean towel and your own clean yoga mat. You may also rent a mat or purchase one at the Shala.

Settle your tuition before you begin your practice.

Notify your teacher well and before you begin practice of any pain, soreness, injury, past surgeries, pregnancy, illness, fasting, etc.  

If you are an experienced Mysore student, on your first day at the Shala practice the primary series.

Do not skip, add, or modify the traditional sequence unless requested.

Do not add any new asanas unless they are given.

Maintain silence and if necessary, speak quietly.

There are no classes on Moon Days or Saturdays. The first three days of menstruation are also a time for rest.

Practice at home if you are sick, take rest if you have a fever.

Everyone sweats. Clean any moisture left on the floor around your mat before you leave.



-An excellent list from Angela Jamison of Ashtanga Yoga Ann Arbor (also here).

Aug 21, 2012

Should I practice if... by Elise Espat

I'm sick?
Yes, practice at home.  You don't want to get anyone else sick.  Just do what you can.
If you have a fever, just rest.

I'm injured?
Yes.  Talk with your teacher in person, they'll be able to give you specific instruction on what to do and how to proceed.  Practice is effort toward steadiness of mind.  It really isn't about the asanas.  Your asana practice might be a bit different when you are working with an injury.  That is really totally ok.

I'm menstruating?
No.  Rest during your first three days of menstruation.

I'm pregnant?
Maybe.  Talk with your teacher in person.

I'm feeling sad/tired/scared/angry/upset/happy/etc.?
Yes.  See "effort toward steadiness of mind".

I'm sore?
Yes.  Let your teacher know.   

I'm unsure of what to do/forgot what to do?
Yes.  Just show up and try to remember.  If nothing comes to you, your teacher will.  However, nothing will happen if you don't show up.

I'm a beginner?
Yes.  Just show up.  Your teacher will show you what to do.

It is a moon day?
No.  Just rest.

I missed days and dread what will happen?
Yes.  Just show up and see what happens.  No fear. 

I don't like it/am not comfortable?
Yes.  It is okay to feel confused, emotional, uncomfortable, etc.  If you trust your teacher and have faith in the practice, it will pass.  If you don't trust your teacher and don't have faith in the practice, find a new teacher and maybe a new practice.

I'm hungover/constipated/hungry/ate something right before?
Yes.  Just show up and see what happens.  That is how we learn.



Right, so yoga is the cessation of the thinking mind so that one can see the true nature of the self.  Practice is effort toward steadiness of mind.  It all starts to come together through consistent, dedicated, uninterrupted practice, done over a LONG period of time.  So really, you are practicing 24/7.  The asana bit, the ritual where you show up to work on the tristhana happens "every day".  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and then rest on either Saturday or Sunday and moon days.  This system works pretty well because some days you'll be like "Yay yoga!" and it will be easy to show up and other days you'll be like "Snooze!"  If you have designated rest days, then when the mind starts setting up obstacles, you can say "that's cool, we'll rest on Saturday, today I'm going to practice no matter what!"  And then when you hit snooze anyway, show up the next day for sure.  And then when it happens again and again and you think you can't go back, let the feelings go.  Turn that passion toward getting back tomorrow.

It is sort of like maintaining a long-term relationship...it can't only be about the physical.  Looks fade.  Get interested in what can't really be seen, the inside stuff.  Try to figure out this steady mind thing.  Let go of the asanas.

Of course, you can't learn yoga from a website.  Ask your teacher about this stuff.  Do what they say.  See what happens.





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