Ashtanga

ASHTANGA Yoga follows the Sri K. Krishnamacharya and his disciple Sri K. Pattabhi Jois’s tradition and focuses on cleansing the internal body and keeping the organs doing their jobs. Through twists, folds, and bandhas or locks, circulation of the blood and lymph systems improve, making the body better at eliminating toxins and a calm mind. The Ashtanga practice is a set sequence of postures performed in the same order but independently, synchronized the breath with the movement in a fluidic way. Each posture builds on positions that come before it, and as in its home place (Mysore, India) practiced in each person’s own pace, gradually, sequence by sequence and in a way that is intended to build internal heat. This form of Vinyasa yoga, which means the postures are connected through flowing movements, each movement is done on the breath, and when the practitioner gets into the pose, they hold it for about five breaths — with attention on the breath, the asana, and the drishti or gaze.

Ashtanga yoga is physically and mentally demanding, and while modifications can be made to accommodate each yogi, it is often considered a more advanced practice. Please note that the Ashtanga practice at the retreat will not be practiced in its orthodox form, instead adapted to each student’s needs.