Spring Haze - 2007-08-14 10:05 AM

Hello all,

I have been practicing Ashtanga now for about a year and a half. I try to practice about four times a week, more if time permits.

I have a very talented teacher where I live, but would like to broaden my horizons. My question: what is the next step? I really want to do a TT, not even because I want to teach necessarily (although I would like to eventually), but because I want that intense learning experience. Also, I have tossed around going to Mysore--but would probably only have the time to stay for one month.

I know that both would be completely different experiences. Everyone seems to advise to not have too high of expectations in going to Mysore. My expectations are only to have the experience there, whatever that experience might be.

What order would you advise doing this in? Obviously it takes some funding and planning. It might be a few years out before I could do either.

Also, has anyone done the TT with Richard Freeman? I feel drawn to that program, although I know that he wants students to have completed (or at least have a solid understanding of) the second series. I can hit the first half pretty solidly...but the second half is pretty hit or miss. Meaning, I am probably a few years away from even being prepared to study with Richard.

Any advice? Thank you much!

Spring Haze - 2007-08-14 10:44 AM

Ok...

a) What don't I like about Ashtanga? The first time I practiced I almost had an epiphany. I immediately had this feeling of "wow...this is what I want to do." I loved the meditative nature of the practice and the physical demands.

===> I think you meant 'what I like about Ashtanga?'. Anyway, the Meditative nature is in all correctly done Yoga. In fact, it is more in the Static Yoga. But, you do not have to give up Ashtanga for that. Physical Demands are of course there in Ashtanga. So, let us go ahead.


b) I need to progress most in discipline, especially diet. I have a good diet by American standards...lot of grains, beans, non-processed. I eat meat about once a week and think I could eventually cut it out totally. I do eat dairy and drink in moderation. I am still working on building up my strength and really don't have a strong command over my bandas yet. As far is specific poses, I am stumped by the "usual" ones in the primary series. I can bind almost every time on one side in Mari D. I need help in Supta K. Mostly, I am still opening up my hamstrings. A year ago, I couldn't even touch my feet, so I would say that the progress has been great. It think that I will be able to "jump back" in a matter of months, but again, my hamstrings are not open enough to jump through yet.
===> For Diet, do not see Ashtanga Yoga instruction. You should seek the instruction from another source. For discipline, there is no instruction required. It depends on your own practice. For the Ashantag Pose improvements, I shall recommend John Freedman, Davids Swenson, and such other teachers. I know one here if you want, I mean in VA.



c) As far as Mysore goes, I guess I just want to see how things are done there as far as Ashtanga goes. I want the full experience. I want to see PJ and Sharath teach. Also, I love to travel, so seeing the culture, food, sites, etc is also of great interest to me.
===> That is your choice. If you only want to see there classes, you can get videos. If you want to see them live, you do not need to attend their class. Just write to them that you want to watch the class, and do what is possible.

===> As for other travel interests, completely ignore Ashtanga Yoga part, and take the tour from an authoritative source, such as a friend from Karnataka. I can guide you a little bit through my friends. And, enjoy that trip separately from Yoga.

Best Luck