Guest guest Posted June 16, 2003 Report Share Posted June 16, 2003 Sounds to me like you already know... trust your own experience and find a teacher who supports it. This teacher sounds like they are uncomfortable being a real person. David Swensen for example is not like that. He is a real person - saw him at the store the other day and said hello he said hello back and I thanked him for the last workshop I had with him in which he helped me a lot! You need to find a teacher who is a person first. Krakowiecka Edyta <edyta.krakowiecka wrote:Hello everyone, I was wondering if anybody could offer some advice. I have been doing Iyengar yoga for three years, and recently started with ashtanga. I like it so much more as it is more dynamic and therefore better suits my personality. I go to classes in this new school in town and I don't know what I experience there is normal for ashtanga class, or not. The teacher just says the names of poses, sometimes mentiones breathing and "gaze" as well, but in fact does not take time to explain anything. He seems to assist only flexible people who are advanced and can do everything. I am flexible too, but need some assistance with some poses or need to learn easier versions of others which I am not strong enough to do (like those involving lots of arms strength). Another problem is the question of safety. Once he came up to me and asked - do you feel safe to do it? I said - no. So he walked off and I set there waiting for the next pose. Is it normal? With my Iyengar teachers they would insist on me trying new things offering support and assuring they were there for me so I felt safe trying. I have never had any injury. Here I have this feeling my safety is only my resposibility, if I get injured - bad luck, girl. This school is upscale and it does cost a lot of money (I have heard - more than classes in NY, and this is China) so I am also surprised there are 12 people packed in a small room what makes doing some poses impossible without people bumping into each other. Again - is it a standard setting of ashtanga class? I would appreciate your comments. thanks, Edyta ashtanga yoga SBC DSL - Now only $29.95 per month! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2003 Report Share Posted June 16, 2003 Edyta: I think the number of students in your class is typical for a popular Ashtanga teacher/studio. I am a teacher and as much as I encourage students of all levels to attend my classes, it is often difficult to offer individual attention to beginners (Ashtanga beginners not yoga beginners) without sacrificing the flow of the class. I have the following advice: - Ashtanga is a little less "touchy" than Iyengar. Also, the precision of each pose is less important, as opposed to the continuous flow, which is why you may be finding some difficulty making the transition from Iyengar. -You should do some "homework" by purchasing John Scott's Ashtanga Yoga book. It is an excellent illustration/explanation of the primary series and should increase your recognition of the asanas during class. I also highly recommend John Scott's Primary Series DVD or Richard Freeman's VHS (Richard offers quite a bit of explanation regarding the bandhas and preparing for Ashtanga) -Also, now that you have more information, you should feel more confident in aggressively approaching your teachers -inquiring about their personal interpretation of an asana or asking for specific help in performing a particular asana. If you "are not ready" or have not done the asana before -ask the instructor what you can do to prepare yourself. This is where the difference between Iyengar and Ashtanga really comes into play because Iyengar emphasizes the use of props to prepare students for poses, where Ashtanga purists disregard props. Personally, I have found props to be helpful to my students that are not quite ready (either because they are afraid or need to develop strength or flexibility)for certain asanas. If your instructors are purists, then I recommend you specifically ask them what you can do to "get ready". -Best of luck to you - I plan on teaching in Shanghai soon (this fall). I'm glad to hear that it is catching on in China. Namaste, Maureen --- Krakowiecka Edyta <edyta.krakowiecka wrote: > Hello everyone, > > I was wondering if anybody could offer some advice. > I have been doing > Iyengar yoga for three years, and recently started > with ashtanga. I like it > so much more as it is more dynamic and therefore > better suits my > personality. I go to classes in this new school in > town and I don't know > what I experience there is normal for ashtanga > class, or not. The teacher > just says the names of poses, sometimes mentiones > breathing and "gaze" as > well, but in fact does not take time to explain > anything. He seems to > assist only flexible people who are advanced and can > do everything. I am > flexible too, but need some assistance with some > poses or need to learn > easier versions of others which I am not strong > enough to do (like those > involving lots of arms strength). > > Another problem is the question of safety. Once he > came up to me and asked > - do you feel safe to do it? I said - no. So he > walked off and I set there > waiting for the next pose. Is it normal? With my > Iyengar teachers they > would insist on me trying new things offering > support and assuring they were > there for me so I felt safe trying. I have never > had any injury. Here I > have this feeling my safety is only my > resposibility, if I get injured - bad > luck, girl. > > This school is upscale and it does cost a lot of > money (I have heard - more > than classes in NY, and this is China) so I am also > surprised there are 12 > people packed in a small room what makes doing some > poses impossible without > people bumping into each other. Again - is it a > standard setting of > ashtanga class? > > I would appreciate your comments. > thanks, > Edyta > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2003 Report Share Posted June 16, 2003 Hello Maureen, Alessandra, thank you both for your answers. I do see it now in a little bit different light. If the flow is what matters in ashtanga the most, there may be not enough space for individual assistance. Still the personality of a teacher matters a lot and it may be just that I need to look for somebody else. Thank you for advice on books, I am eager to do my homework, in fact except for regular classes I do 1/2 hour every morning, and can see how this little bit helps to advance my practice and simply makes me feel better. What I miss so far is emphisis on safety - it was a big deal during my Iyengar classes. To the point we were asked not to do reversed poses when having period. I have heard there are different approaches among teachers to that issue, what do you think? thanks again, Edyta Maureen Bolton [bolto11] 2003年6月16日 23:04 ashtanga yoga Re: ashtanga yoga the role of an Ashtang teacher? Edyta: I think the number of students in your class is typical for a popular Ashtanga teacher/studio. I am a teacher and as much as I encourage students of all levels to attend my classes, it is often difficult to offer individual attention to beginners (Ashtanga beginners not yoga beginners) without sacrificing the flow of the class. I have the following advice: - Ashtanga is a little less "touchy" than Iyengar. Also, the precision of each pose is less important, as opposed to the continuous flow, which is why you may be finding some difficulty making the transition from Iyengar. -You should do some "homework" by purchasing John Scott's Ashtanga Yoga book. It is an excellent illustration/explanation of the primary series and should increase your recognition of the asanas during class. I also highly recommend John Scott's Primary Series DVD or Richard Freeman's VHS (Richard offers quite a bit of explanation regarding the bandhas and preparing for Ashtanga) -Also, now that you have more information, you should feel more confident in aggressively approaching your teachers -inquiring about their personal interpretation of an asana or asking for specific help in performing a particular asana. If you "are not ready" or have not done the asana before -ask the instructor what you can do to prepare yourself. This is where the difference between Iyengar and Ashtanga really comes into play because Iyengar emphasizes the use of props to prepare students for poses, where Ashtanga purists disregard props. Personally, I have found props to be helpful to my students that are not quite ready (either because they are afraid or need to develop strength or flexibility)for certain asanas. If your instructors are purists, then I recommend you specifically ask them what you can do to "get ready". -Best of luck to you - I plan on teaching in Shanghai soon (this fall). I'm glad to hear that it is catching on in China. Namaste, Maureen --- Krakowiecka Edyta <edyta.krakowiecka wrote: > Hello everyone, > > I was wondering if anybody could offer some advice. > I have been doing > Iyengar yoga for three years, and recently started > with ashtanga. I like it > so much more as it is more dynamic and therefore > better suits my > personality. I go to classes in this new school in > town and I don't know > what I experience there is normal for ashtanga > class, or not. The teacher > just says the names of poses, sometimes mentiones > breathing and "gaze" as > well, but in fact does not take time to explain > anything. He seems to > assist only flexible people who are advanced and can > do everything. I am > flexible too, but need some assistance with some > poses or need to learn > easier versions of others which I am not strong > enough to do (like those > involving lots of arms strength). > > Another problem is the question of safety. Once he > came up to me and asked > - do you feel safe to do it? I said - no. So he > walked off and I set there > waiting for the next pose. Is it normal? With my > Iyengar teachers they > would insist on me trying new things offering > support and assuring they were > there for me so I felt safe trying. I have never > had any injury. Here I > have this feeling my safety is only my > resposibility, if I get injured - bad > luck, girl. > > This school is upscale and it does cost a lot of > money (I have heard - more > than classes in NY, and this is China) so I am also > surprised there are 12 > people packed in a small room what makes doing some > poses impossible without > people bumping into each other. Again - is it a > standard setting of > ashtanga class? > > I would appreciate your comments. > thanks, > Edyta > > > ashtanga yoga Your use of is subject to Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2003 Report Share Posted June 16, 2003 Edyta: I'm in the U.S. (in New York City). Here, many teachers won't make a lot of adjustments to new students. For a period of time they will hold back a bit. I believe this is done for three reasons. First, they'd rather have you gain some familiarity with the series before they make lots of adjustments. Second, they want to get a sense of your practice. In other words, they want to hear how you're breathing and get a sense of your strengths and weaknesses. Third, many teachers here will only invest in students who they think are dedicated to the practice for the long haul. They won't give lots of attention to a new student who might disappear in a couple of months. Where I practice, brand new students are encouraged to take a beginners workshop, in which they basically learn Surya Namaskar and ujjai breathing. After that they take Mysore classes like every one else. For the first few weeks, new students are only allowed to do Surya Namaskar. After that, they are slowly taught the standing poses, one by one, over a period of weeks or months. For each class, new students are encouraged to arrive early, when the classroom is less crowded, so that the teacher can work more closely with them. As for the issue of safety, in Ashtanga you aren't supposed to be doing any posture your body isn't ready for. It sounds like you are taking led classes. One of the problems with led classes is that students usually are not stopped when they reach a pose they can't do, and, yes, injuries can occur. If possible, try to find a Mysore-style Ashtanga class. In a Mysore-style class you are more likely to get individual attention, better instruction, and postures you can safely handle at this time. Good luck to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 17, 2003 Report Share Posted June 17, 2003 Edyta: SKPJ advocates that women refrain from practicing at all during the first three days of the menstrual cycle. I am not a physician; however SKPJ nor Iyengar are women. Personally, I do my usual practice during menstruation and advise my students to do whatever they feel up to doing. I don't think there is any medical danger from doing inversion poses during menstruation -but if it makes you uncomfortable or you're not up to it -don't do it. Best of luck with your practice, Namaste, Maureen --- Krakowiecka Edyta <edyta.krakowiecka wrote: > Hello Maureen, Alessandra, thank you both for your > answers. I do see it now > in a little bit different light. If the flow is > what matters in ashtanga > the most, there may be not enough space for > individual assistance. Still > the personality of a teacher matters a lot and it > may be just that I need to > look for somebody else. Thank you for advice on > books, I am eager to do my > homework, in fact except for regular classes I do > 1/2 hour every morning, > and can see how this little bit helps to advance my > practice and simply > makes me feel better. > > What I miss so far is emphisis on safety - it was a > big deal during my > Iyengar classes. To the point we were asked not to > do reversed poses when > having period. I have heard there are different > approaches among teachers > to that issue, what do you think? > > thanks again, > Edyta > > > > Maureen Bolton [bolto11] > 2003年6月16日 23:04 > ashtanga yoga > Re: ashtanga yoga the role of an Ashtang > teacher? > > > Edyta: > > I think the number of students in your class is > typical for a popular Ashtanga teacher/studio. I am > a > teacher and as much as I encourage students of all > levels to attend my classes, it is often difficult > to > offer individual attention to beginners (Ashtanga > beginners not yoga beginners) without sacrificing > the > flow of the class. I have the following advice: > > - Ashtanga is a little less "touchy" than Iyengar. > Also, the precision of each pose is less important, > as > opposed to the continuous flow, which is why you may > be finding some difficulty making the transition > from > Iyengar. > -You should do some "homework" by purchasing John > Scott's Ashtanga Yoga book. It is an excellent > illustration/explanation of the primary series and > should increase your recognition of the asanas > during > class. I also highly recommend John Scott's Primary > Series DVD or Richard Freeman's VHS (Richard offers > quite a bit of explanation regarding the bandhas and > preparing for Ashtanga) > -Also, now that you have more information, you > should > feel more confident in aggressively approaching > your > teachers -inquiring about their personal > interpretation of an asana or asking for specific > help > in performing a particular asana. If you "are not > ready" or have not done the asana before -ask the > instructor what you can do to prepare yourself. > This > is where the difference between Iyengar and Ashtanga > really comes into play because Iyengar emphasizes > the > use of props to prepare students for poses, where > Ashtanga purists disregard props. Personally, I > have > found props to be helpful to my students that are > not > quite ready (either because they are afraid or need > to > develop strength or flexibility)for certain asanas. > If your instructors are purists, then I recommend > you > specifically ask them what you can do to "get > ready". > -Best of luck to you - I plan on teaching in > Shanghai > soon (this fall). I'm glad to hear that it is > catching on in China. > Namaste, > Maureen > --- Krakowiecka Edyta > <edyta.krakowiecka > wrote: > > Hello everyone, > > > > I was wondering if anybody could offer some > advice. > > I have been doing > > Iyengar yoga for three years, and recently started > > with ashtanga. I like it > > so much more as it is more dynamic and therefore > > better suits my > > personality. I go to classes in this new school > in > > town and I don't know > > what I experience there is normal for ashtanga > > class, or not. The teacher > > just says the names of poses, sometimes mentiones > > breathing and "gaze" as > > well, but in fact does not take time to explain > > anything. He seems to > > assist only flexible people who are advanced and > can > > do everything. I am > > flexible too, but need some assistance with some > > poses or need to learn > > easier versions of others which I am not strong > > enough to do (like those > > involving lots of arms strength). > > > > Another problem is the question of safety. Once > he > > came up to me and asked > > - do you feel safe to do it? I said - no. So he > > walked off and I set there > > waiting for the next pose. Is it normal? With > my > > Iyengar teachers they > > would insist on me trying new things offering > > support and assuring they were > > there for me so I felt safe trying. I have never > > had any injury. Here I > > have this feeling my safety is only my > > resposibility, if I get injured - bad > > luck, girl. > > > > This school is upscale and it does cost a lot of > > money (I have heard - more > > than classes in NY, and this is China) so I am > also > > surprised there are 12 > > people packed in a small room what makes doing > some > > poses impossible without > > people bumping into each other. Again - is it a > > standard setting of > > ashtanga class? > > > > I would appreciate your comments. > > thanks, > > Edyta > > > > > > > > > > > > ashtanga yoga > > > > Your use of is subject to > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 17, 2003 Report Share Posted June 17, 2003 I listen to my body. Usually the first two or three days during menstruation I don't feel like doing anything except virasana, wide angle forward bend, triangle, warrior II, kurmasana and other restorative postures. Definately no inversions and as far as twisting goes, any movement that constricts or presses into the abdominal region doesn't feel right so I don't do it. To me, that is another way of going with the flow (pun intended). I love and apply Iyengar's methods. Both he and Pattabhi Jois are geniuses. The asanas for menstruation I got from Geeta Iyengar's book, Yoga: A Gem for Women. Krakowiecka Edyta <edyta.krakowiecka wrote:Hello Maureen, Alessandra, thank you both for your answers. I do see it now in a little bit different light. If the flow is what matters in ashtanga the most, there may be not enough space for individual assistance. Still the personality of a teacher matters a lot and it may be just that I need to look for somebody else. Thank you for advice on books, I am eager to do my homework, in fact except for regular classes I do 1/2 hour every morning, and can see how this little bit helps to advance my practice and simply makes me feel better. What I miss so far is emphisis on safety - it was a big deal during my Iyengar classes. To the point we were asked not to do reversed poses when having period. I have heard there are different approaches among teachers to that issue, what do you think? thanks again, Edyta Maureen Bolton [bolto11] 2003年6月16日 23:04 ashtanga yoga Re: ashtanga yoga the role of an Ashtang teacher? Edyta: I think the number of students in your class is typical for a popular Ashtanga teacher/studio. I am a teacher and as much as I encourage students of all levels to attend my classes, it is often difficult to offer individual attention to beginners (Ashtanga beginners not yoga beginners) without sacrificing the flow of the class. I have the following advice: - Ashtanga is a little less "touchy" than Iyengar. Also, the precision of each pose is less important, as opposed to the continuous flow, which is why you may be finding some difficulty making the transition from Iyengar. -You should do some "homework" by purchasing John Scott's Ashtanga Yoga book. It is an excellent illustration/explanation of the primary series and should increase your recognition of the asanas during class. I also highly recommend John Scott's Primary Series DVD or Richard Freeman's VHS (Richard offers quite a bit of explanation regarding the bandhas and preparing for Ashtanga) -Also, now that you have more information, you should feel more confident in aggressively approaching your teachers -inquiring about their personal interpretation of an asana or asking for specific help in performing a particular asana. If you "are not ready" or have not done the asana before -ask the instructor what you can do to prepare yourself. This is where the difference between Iyengar and Ashtanga really comes into play because Iyengar emphasizes the use of props to prepare students for poses, where Ashtanga purists disregard props. Personally, I have found props to be helpful to my students that are not quite ready (either because they are afraid or need to develop strength or flexibility)for certain asanas. If your instructors are purists, then I recommend you specifically ask them what you can do to "get ready". -Best of luck to you - I plan on teaching in Shanghai soon (this fall). I'm glad to hear that it is catching on in China. Namaste, Maureen --- Krakowiecka Edyta <edyta.krakowiecka wrote: > Hello everyone, > > I was wondering if anybody could offer some advice. > I have been doing > Iyengar yoga for three years, and recently started > with ashtanga. I like it > so much more as it is more dynamic and therefore > better suits my > personality. I go to classes in this new school in > town and I don't know > what I experience there is normal for ashtanga > class, or not. The teacher > just says the names of poses, sometimes mentiones > breathing and "gaze" as > well, but in fact does not take time to explain > anything. He seems to > assist only flexible people who are advanced and can > do everything. I am > flexible too, but need some assistance with some > poses or need to learn > easier versions of others which I am not strong > enough to do (like those > involving lots of arms strength). > > Another problem is the question of safety. Once he > came up to me and asked > - do you feel safe to do it? I said - no. So he > walked off and I set there > waiting for the next pose. Is it normal? With my > Iyengar teachers they > would insist on me trying new things offering > support and assuring they were > there for me so I felt safe trying. I have never > had any injury. Here I > have this feeling my safety is only my > resposibility, if I get injured - bad > luck, girl. > > This school is upscale and it does cost a lot of > money (I have heard - more > than classes in NY, and this is China) so I am also > surprised there are 12 > people packed in a small room what makes doing some > poses impossible without > people bumping into each other. Again - is it a > standard setting of > ashtanga class? > > I would appreciate your comments. > thanks, > Edyta > > > ashtanga yoga Your use of is subject to ashtanga yoga SBC DSL - Now only $29.95 per month! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 18, 2003 Report Share Posted June 18, 2003 Hi Edyta I too was confused about the many different approaches that different teachers take to menstruation. I was initially trained in the Iyengar tradition where teachers ask at the start of class if any students are menstruating (they are then given mostly supported standing poses and forward bends. I have recently begun exploring the delights of the Ashtanga system where menstruation is not addressed unless you actually ask the teacher for an alternative sequence (which can make you feel out of place). For me now, it depends on how I'm feeling on the day and this informs me of how I should practice. Some periods I hardly notice any difference in my body so I just do the primary series right through and avoid the finishing inversions. But sometimes during those first few days of a period I can feel quite full and luscious in the lower belly and prefer to do an open, passive Iyengar sequence at home like the one below (from Richard Rosen on the yogajournal.com website). So learn to listen to your beautiful body and it will quietly guide you to what you need to do. namaste sally MENSTRUATION Exercise during menstruation is generally highly recommended. It's believed that exercise can ease the discomfort of dysmenorrhea; quell mood swings, anxiety, and depression; and reduce bloating. Most contemporary yoga teachers advise a fairly conservative approach toward asana practice during menstruation. These menstrual sequences generally consist of prop-supported poses-mostly forward bends. This makes perfect sense for women who feel sluggish during their cycle. However, many other women don't feel the need to change anything about their practice during menstruation, except maybe to limit strenuous inverted poses. Each student should decide for herself what kind of asana sequence is most appropriate for her body during menstruation. Menstruation Sequence (minimum time 45 minutes, maximum time 60 minutes) Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose) Support the torso on a bolster. (Total time 5 minutes.) Supta Padangusthasana (Reclining Big Toe Pose) Use a strap to hold the raised leg in place. Hold each side for 2 minutes; total time 4 minutes. Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose) (Total time 2 minutes.) Janu Sirsasana (Head-to-Knee Pose) Support the head either on a bolster laid across your extended leg, or if you're less flexible on the front edge of a padded chair seat. Hold each side for 3 to 5 minutes; total time 6 to 10 minutes. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend) With your torso and head supported on a bolster laid along your legs. (Total time 3 to 5 minutes.) Upavistha Konasana (Seated Wide-Angle Pose) Rest the torso on a bolster positioned between your legs with its long axis parallel to your torso. (Total time 3 to 5 minutes). Then come up and twist to each side for 30 seconds to 1 minute, holding the shin or the inside of the foot. (Total time 1 to 2 minutes.) Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward-Facing Bow) Supported on a chair. Pad the chair seat with either a sticky mat or a folded blanket. Then slide your legs through the space between the chair back and seat, and sit on the back edge of the seat facing the chair back. Grip the chair legs just below the chair back and, with an exhalation, lean into a backbend. The front edge of the seat should cross your back torso just under your shoulder blades. Keep your knees bent and feet on the floor. Support the back of your head, either on a bolster or a block. You can continue to hold the chair legs, stretch your arms overhead, or slip your arms underneath the seat between the chair legs and grip the back rung. Be sure to breathe smoothly. To come up, grip the chair legs just below the chair back, and pull yourself up with an exhalation. Try to lead to movement of your torso with your chest, not your head. (Total time 3 to 5 minutes.) Seated Twist Still sitting reversed through the chair, twist to the right with an exhalation, hold for 30 seconds, then twist to the left for 30 seconds. Repeat three times to each side, each time holding for 30 seconds. (Total time 3 minutes.) Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose) Support the pelvis on a bolster or rolled blanket. (Total time 5 to 10 minutes.) Be sure to slide off the support before your turn to your side. Savasana (Corpse) (Total time 8 to 10 minutes.) Krakowiecka Edyta <edyta.krakowiecka wrote: Hello Maureen, Alessandra, thank you both for your answers. I do see it now in a little bit different light. If the flow is what matters in ashtanga the most, there may be not enough space for individual assistance. Still the personality of a teacher matters a lot and it may be just that I need to look for somebody else. Thank you for advice on books, I am eager to do my homework, in fact except for regular classes I do 1/2 hour every morning, and can see how this little bit helps to advance my practice and simply makes me feel better. What I miss so far is emphisis on safety - it was a big deal during my Iyengar classes. To the point we were asked not to do reversed poses when having period. I have heard there are different approaches among teachers to that issue, what do you think? thanks again, Edyta Maureen Bolton [bolto11] 2003年6月16日 23:04 ashtanga yoga Re: ashtanga yoga the role of an Ashtang teacher? Edyta: I think the number of students in your class is typical for a popular Ashtanga teacher/studio. I am a teacher and as much as I encourage students of all levels to attend my classes, it is often difficult to offer individual attention to beginners (Ashtanga beginners not yoga beginners) without sacrificing the flow of the class. I have the following advice: - Ashtanga is a little less "touchy" than Iyengar. Also, the precision of each pose is less important, as opposed to the continuous flow, which is why you may be finding some difficulty making the transition from Iyengar. -You should do some "homework" by purchasing John Scott's Ashtanga Yoga book. It is an excellent illustration/explanation of the primary series and should increase your recognition of the asanas during class. I also highly recommend John Scott's Primary Series DVD or Richard Freeman's VHS (Richard offers quite a bit of explanation regarding the bandhas and preparing for Ashtanga) -Also, now that you have more information, you should feel more confident in aggressively approaching your teachers -inquiring about their personal interpretation of an asana or asking for specific help in performing a particular asana. If you "are not ready" or have not done the asana before -ask the instructor what you can do to prepare yourself. This is where the difference between Iyengar and Ashtanga really comes into play because Iyengar emphasizes the use of props to prepare students for poses, where Ashtanga purists disregard props. Personally, I have found props to be helpful to my students that are not quite ready (either because they are afraid or need to develop strength or flexibility)for certain asanas. If your instructors are purists, then I recommend you specifically ask them what you can do to "get ready". -Best of luck to you - I plan on teaching in Shanghai soon (this fall). I'm glad to hear that it is catching on in China. Namaste, Maureen --- Krakowiecka Edyta <edyta.krakowiecka wrote: > Hello everyone, > > I was wondering if anybody could offer some advice. > I have been doing > Iyengar yoga for three years, and recently started > with ashtanga. I like it > so much more as it is more dynamic and therefore > better suits my > personality. I go to classes in this new school in > town and I don't know > what I experience there is normal for ashtanga > class, or not. The teacher > just says the names of poses, sometimes mentiones > breathing and "gaze" as > well, but in fact does not take time to explain > anything. He seems to > assist only flexible people who are advanced and can > do everything. I am > flexible too, but need some assistance with some > poses or need to learn > easier versions of others which I am not strong > enough to do (like those > involving lots of arms strength). > > Another problem is the question of safety. Once he > came up to me and asked > - do you feel safe to do it? I said - no. So he > walked off and I set there > waiting for the next pose. Is it normal? With my > Iyengar teachers they > would insist on me trying new things offering > support and assuring they were > there for me so I felt safe trying. I have never > had any injury. Here I > have this feeling my safety is only my > resposibility, if I get injured - bad > luck, girl. > > This school is upscale and it does cost a lot of > money (I have heard - more > than classes in NY, and this is China) so I am also > surprised there are 12 > people packed in a small room what makes doing some > poses impossible without > people bumping into each other. Again - is it a > standard setting of > ashtanga class? > > I would appreciate your comments. > thanks, > Edyta > > > ashtanga yoga Your use of is subject to ashtanga yoga Mobile - Check & compose your email via SMS on your Telstra or Vodafone mobile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 18, 2003 Report Share Posted June 18, 2003 Edyta I take off the three heaviest days of my period, which for me are the second, third and fourth days, rather than the first three days. My first day is always pretty light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 18, 2003 Report Share Posted June 18, 2003 In Ashtanga yoga, women take the first three days of their period off. No practice. Complete rest. Once you have a daily practice, this will make sense to you and offer a welcome respite. You can listen to your body resting. FBL ashtanga yoga, Alessandra Burenin < healinginyoga> wrote: > I listen to my body. Usually the first two or three days during menstruation I don't feel like doing anything except virasana, wide angle forward bend, triangle, warrior II, kurmasana and other restorative postures. Definately no inversions and as far as twisting goes, any movement that constricts or presses into the abdominal region doesn't feel right so I don't do it. To me, that is another way of going with the flow (pun intended). I love and apply Iyengar's methods. Both he and Pattabhi Jois are geniuses. The asanas for menstruation I got from Geeta Iyengar's book, Yoga: A Gem for Women. > > Krakowiecka Edyta <edyta.krakowiecka@m...> wrote:Hello Maureen, Alessandra, thank you both for your answers. I do see it now > in a little bit different light. If the flow is what matters in ashtanga > the most, there may be not enough space for individual assistance. Still > the personality of a teacher matters a lot and it may be just that I need to > look for somebody else. Thank you for advice on books, I am eager to do my > homework, in fact except for regular classes I do 1/2 hour every morning, > and can see how this little bit helps to advance my practice and simply > makes me feel better. > > What I miss so far is emphisis on safety - it was a big deal during my > Iyengar classes. To the point we were asked not to do reversed poses when > having period. I have heard there are different approaches among teachers > to that issue, what do you think? > > thanks again, > Edyta > > > > Maureen Bolton [bolto11] > 2003å1´6月16æ—¥ 23:04 > ashtanga yoga > Re: ashtanga yoga the role of an Ashtang teacher? > > > Edyta: > > I think the number of students in your class is > typical for a popular Ashtanga teacher/studio. I am a > teacher and as much as I encourage students of all > levels to attend my classes, it is often difficult to > offer individual attention to beginners (Ashtanga > beginners not yoga beginners) without sacrificing the > flow of the class. I have the following advice: > > - Ashtanga is a little less "touchy" than Iyengar. > Also, the precision of each pose is less important, as > opposed to the continuous flow, which is why you may > be finding some difficulty making the transition from > Iyengar. > -You should do some "homework" by purchasing John > Scott's Ashtanga Yoga book. It is an excellent > illustration/explanation of the primary series and > should increase your recognition of the asanas during > class. I also highly recommend John Scott's Primary > Series DVD or Richard Freeman's VHS (Richard offers > quite a bit of explanation regarding the bandhas and > preparing for Ashtanga) > -Also, now that you have more information, you should > feel more confident in aggressively approaching your > teachers -inquiring about their personal > interpretation of an asana or asking for specific help > in performing a particular asana. If you "are not > ready" or have not done the asana before -ask the > instructor what you can do to prepare yourself. This > is where the difference between Iyengar and Ashtanga > really comes into play because Iyengar emphasizes the > use of props to prepare students for poses, where > Ashtanga purists disregard props. Personally, I have > found props to be helpful to my students that are not > quite ready (either because they are afraid or need to > develop strength or flexibility)for certain asanas. > If your instructors are purists, then I recommend you > specifically ask them what you can do to "get ready". > -Best of luck to you - I plan on teaching in Shanghai > soon (this fall). I'm glad to hear that it is > catching on in China. > Namaste, > Maureen > --- Krakowiecka Edyta <edyta.krakowiecka@m...> > wrote: > > Hello everyone, > > > > I was wondering if anybody could offer some advice. > > I have been doing > > Iyengar yoga for three years, and recently started > > with ashtanga. I like it > > so much more as it is more dynamic and therefore > > better suits my > > personality. I go to classes in this new school in > > town and I don't know > > what I experience there is normal for ashtanga > > class, or not. The teacher > > just says the names of poses, sometimes mentiones > > breathing and "gaze" as > > well, but in fact does not take time to explain > > anything. He seems to > > assist only flexible people who are advanced and can > > do everything. I am > > flexible too, but need some assistance with some > > poses or need to learn > > easier versions of others which I am not strong > > enough to do (like those > > involving lots of arms strength). > > > > Another problem is the question of safety. Once he > > came up to me and asked > > - do you feel safe to do it? I said - no. So he > > walked off and I set there > > waiting for the next pose. Is it normal? With my > > Iyengar teachers they > > would insist on me trying new things offering > > support and assuring they were > > there for me so I felt safe trying. I have never > > had any injury. Here I > > have this feeling my safety is only my > > resposibility, if I get injured - bad > > luck, girl. > > > > This school is upscale and it does cost a lot of > > money (I have heard - more > > than classes in NY, and this is China) so I am also > > surprised there are 12 > > people packed in a small room what makes doing some > > poses impossible without > > people bumping into each other. Again - is it a > > standard setting of > > ashtanga class? > > > > I would appreciate your comments. > > thanks, > > Edyta > > > > > > > > > > > > ashtanga yoga > > > > Your use of is subject to http://docs./ info/terms/ > > > > Sponsor > > ashtanga yoga > > > > Terms of Service. > > > > > > SBC DSL - Now only $29.95 per month! > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 18, 2003 Report Share Posted June 18, 2003 It also makes sense to ³take rest² during menstraton as it is virtually impossible to engage the bandhas, and why would you want to anyways. The body is in an apana pattern, engaging the locks is counter to the body¹s natural rhythm during this time. It is a great time to do long holdings in supported virasana, supta baddhakonasana, samakonasana with legs supported on the wall (with sand bags if you have), etc... On 6/18/03 2:14 PM, "funkybadlady" <no_reply> wrote: > In Ashtanga yoga, women take the first three days of their period > off. No practice. Complete rest. Once you have a daily practice, > this will make sense to you and offer a welcome respite. You > can listen to your body resting. > > FBL > > > > ashtanga yoga, Alessandra Burenin < > healinginyoga> wrote: >> > I listen to my body. Usually the first two or three days during > menstruation I don't feel like doing anything except virasana, > wide angle forward bend, triangle, warrior II, kurmasana and > other restorative postures. Definately no inversions and as far as > twisting goes, any movement that constricts or presses into the > abdominal region doesn't feel right so I don't do it. To me, that is > another way of going with the flow (pun intended). I love and > apply Iyengar's methods. Both he and Pattabhi Jois are > geniuses. The asanas for menstruation I got from Geeta > Iyengar's book, Yoga: A Gem for Women. >> > >> > Krakowiecka Edyta <edyta.krakowiecka@m...> wrote:Hello > Maureen, Alessandra, thank you both for your answers. I do see > it now >> > in a little bit different light. If the flow is what matters in > ashtanga >> > the most, there may be not enough space for individual > assistance. Still >> > the personality of a teacher matters a lot and it may be just that > I need to >> > look for somebody else. Thank you for advice on books, I am > eager to do my >> > homework, in fact except for regular classes I do 1/2 hour every > morning, >> > and can see how this little bit helps to advance my practice > and simply >> > makes me feel better. >> > >> > What I miss so far is emphisis on safety - it was a big deal > during my >> > Iyengar classes. To the point we were asked not to do > reversed poses when >> > having period. I have heard there are different approaches > among teachers >> > to that issue, what do you think? >> > >> > thanks again, >> > Edyta >> > >> > >> > >> > Maureen Bolton [bolto11] >> > 2003å1´6月16æ—¥ 23:04 >> > ashtanga yoga >> > Re: ashtanga yoga the role of an Ashtang teacher? >> > >> > >> > Edyta: >> > >> > I think the number of students in your class is >> > typical for a popular Ashtanga teacher/studio. I am a >> > teacher and as much as I encourage students of all >> > levels to attend my classes, it is often difficult to >> > offer individual attention to beginners (Ashtanga >> > beginners not yoga beginners) without sacrificing the >> > flow of the class. I have the following advice: >> > >> > - Ashtanga is a little less "touchy" than Iyengar. >> > Also, the precision of each pose is less important, as >> > opposed to the continuous flow, which is why you may >> > be finding some difficulty making the transition from >> > Iyengar. >> > -You should do some "homework" by purchasing John >> > Scott's Ashtanga Yoga book. It is an excellent >> > illustration/explanation of the primary series and >> > should increase your recognition of the asanas during >> > class. I also highly recommend John Scott's Primary >> > Series DVD or Richard Freeman's VHS (Richard offers >> > quite a bit of explanation regarding the bandhas and >> > preparing for Ashtanga) >> > -Also, now that you have more information, you should >> > feel more confident in aggressively approaching your >> > teachers -inquiring about their personal >> > interpretation of an asana or asking for specific help >> > in performing a particular asana. If you "are not >> > ready" or have not done the asana before -ask the >> > instructor what you can do to prepare yourself. This >> > is where the difference between Iyengar and Ashtanga >> > really comes into play because Iyengar emphasizes the >> > use of props to prepare students for poses, where >> > Ashtanga purists disregard props. Personally, I have >> > found props to be helpful to my students that are not >> > quite ready (either because they are afraid or need to >> > develop strength or flexibility)for certain asanas. >> > If your instructors are purists, then I recommend you >> > specifically ask them what you can do to "get ready". >> > -Best of luck to you - I plan on teaching in Shanghai >> > soon (this fall). I'm glad to hear that it is >> > catching on in China. >> > Namaste, >> > Maureen >> > --- Krakowiecka Edyta <edyta.krakowiecka@m...> >> > wrote: >>> > > Hello everyone, >>> > > >>> > > I was wondering if anybody could offer some advice. >>> > > I have been doing >>> > > Iyengar yoga for three years, and recently started >>> > > with ashtanga. I like it >>> > > so much more as it is more dynamic and therefore >>> > > better suits my >>> > > personality. I go to classes in this new school in >>> > > town and I don't know >>> > > what I experience there is normal for ashtanga >>> > > class, or not. The teacher >>> > > just says the names of poses, sometimes mentiones >>> > > breathing and "gaze" as >>> > > well, but in fact does not take time to explain >>> > > anything. He seems to >>> > > assist only flexible people who are advanced and can >>> > > do everything. I am >>> > > flexible too, but need some assistance with some >>> > > poses or need to learn >>> > > easier versions of others which I am not strong >>> > > enough to do (like those >>> > > involving lots of arms strength). >>> > > >>> > > Another problem is the question of safety. Once he >>> > > came up to me and asked >>> > > - do you feel safe to do it? I said - no. So he >>> > > walked off and I set there >>> > > waiting for the next pose. Is it normal? With my >>> > > Iyengar teachers they >>> > > would insist on me trying new things offering >>> > > support and assuring they were >>> > > there for me so I felt safe trying. I have never >>> > > had any injury. Here I >>> > > have this feeling my safety is only my >>> > > resposibility, if I get injured - bad >>> > > luck, girl. >>> > > >>> > > This school is upscale and it does cost a lot of >>> > > money (I have heard - more >>> > > than classes in NY, and this is China) so I am also >>> > > surprised there are 12 >>> > > people packed in a small room what makes doing some >>> > > poses impossible without >>> > > people bumping into each other. Again - is it a >>> > > standard setting of >>> > > ashtanga class? >>> > > >>> > > I would appreciate your comments. >>> > > thanks, >>> > > Edyta >>> > > >>> > > >>> > > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > ashtanga yoga >> > >> > >> > >> > Your use of is subject to http://docs./ > info/terms/ >> > >> > >> > >> > Sponsor >> > >> > ashtanga yoga >> > >> > >> > >> > Terms of > Service. >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > SBC DSL - Now only $29.95 per month! >> > >> > > > > > Sponsor > > > > <http://rd./M=244522.3313099.4604523.1261774/D=egroupweb/S=1705060955 > :HM/A=1595054/R=0/SIG=124km4b11/*http://ashnin.com/clk/muryutaitakenattogyo?YH > =3313099&yhad=1595054> > > > ashtanga yoga > > > > Terms of Service > <> . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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