ashtanga yoga Questions

[Guest guest]

schmera <no_reply> wrote: I have a few questions about Astanga

yoga: I am answering some of these quesitons keeping in mind that we are not

talking about doing this with guruji himself in Mysore...just on a less intense

basis for your own fun practice...

 

1. I have a bad knee (an old sports injury). Will doing the

series put

to much pressure on my knees? Only you know what you are able to do and not

do...dont go there if you even think you shouldn't be doint something...use your

intuition...forcing and hurting ourselves goes against the idea of self love and

awareness... Are there any workarounds? of course, so many...less reps of the

sun salutations...no jumping (step backs instead) skip some of the lotus

work...many modifications..I have even seen people use blocks and straps in

Ashtanga...Thank you Iyengar!

 

2. How much jumping is required? What king of jumps? the jump through and

jump back is the most common...see a video for a good example..here is where you

can use blocks at first if you find it difficult.Can you

skip the

jumps? yes

 

3. What about older people? As you get old, how long will you be

able

to do the series? age is in the mind...the key is not compeating with yourself

in a dangerouse manner...then you will last longer... How old is Pattabhi Jois?

Is he still practicing? From what I heard, No, he slowed down his practice after

a family tragedy. I am sure he meditates and is a yogi in the most important

ways....he is in his 70's right? anyone?

 

4. What if you are not flexible enough to do some of the poses?

Are

you required to force yourself? You know that wouldn't be the case...are you a

yogi or brand new into yoga? dont ever force yourself...yield into the pose..let

the pose do you instead of you doing the pose but never force...love yourself

 

5. Is Astanga yoga competitive? Are you looked down for not

being as

flexible as the next guy? Ashtanga and any yoga shouldn't be competitive but I

tend to see some competitiness...this is because we are too hard on

ourselves...let go of what we cant do and be greatful and amazed with what you

CAN do! No one looks down on anyone...actually..I have been to classes where one

man couldn't do as much as a friend and myself and he really started to look

angry...make frustrating noises and we knew he was no longer doing yoga...he was

competing and angry with himself. This negitive energy spreads to one another

and is no good for anyone...everything we think effects every cell in our body!

There is only room for love and peace...I love to see the ones that can out do

me...I see them as amazing practicioners that I look up to...I tell myself and

my soul..."that is what I am working on..that is where I will one day be...and

if not..then so be it. Gods will and plan is different for everyone" but I do

love to watch a good Ashtangee anyday!

 

6. Are there any good DVDs (or videos) for beginners?

 

Thanks. better anwered by someone else...I havent seen any but I know there are

some great ones out there...

 

 

 

 

ashtanga yoga

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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