WHAT IS ASHTANGA YOGA?
Ashtanga yoga is a traditional form of yoga that has gained immense popularity in recent years. Ashtanga yoga is a system of yoga that emphasizes a flowing, dynamic practice of poses that are performed in a specific sequence. The practice is physically challenging, yet deeply transformative, and practitioners often cite numerous benefits that keep them coming back to the mat day after day.
WHAT DRAWS PEOPLE TO ASHTANGA YOGA?
THE PHYSICAL + THE DISCIPLINE
One of the primary reasons why people practice Ashtanga yoga is for its physical benefits. Ashtanga yoga is a vigorous and demanding practice that challenges the body in a variety of ways. The practice is designed to build strength, flexibility, and endurance, and it can also help to improve balance, coordination, and overall fitness. The practice involves a lot of movement and breath control, which helps to improve circulation, boost the immune system, and increase energy levels. Another reason why people practice Ashtanga yoga is for the challenge and discipline that it requires. Ashtanga yoga is a demanding practice that requires a lot of dedication and commitment. Practitioners must be willing to show up to the mat every day, even when they don’t feel like it, and they must be willing to push themselves beyond their perceived limits. This can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding, as practitioners often discover new levels of strength, resilience, and perseverance.
THE SPIRITUAL + THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER
But Ashtanga yoga is not just a physical practice. It is also a spiritual practice that helps to cultivate mindfulness, inner peace, and self-awareness. The practice is designed to help practitioners connect with their inner selves, and it can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Ashtanga yoga is often practiced in a group setting, which can provide a supportive and encouraging environment that can help practitioners to deepen their practice and connect with like-minded individuals.
Finally, people practice Ashtanga yoga because it is a deeply transformative practice that can help to bring about profound changes in their lives. Ashtanga yoga is not just about the physical postures; it is about cultivating a deeper connection with oneself and with the world around us. As practitioners deepen their practice, they often find that they become more compassionate, more mindful, and more self-aware. They may discover new insights into themselves and their lives, and they may begin to live more authentically and with greater purpose.
In conclusion, people practice Ashtanga yoga for a variety of reasons. Whether it is for the physical benefits, the spiritual practice, the challenge and discipline, or the transformative potential, Ashtanga yoga is a practice that can enrich and enhance one’s life in countless ways. If you are looking for a way to improve your physical health, cultivate mindfulness and inner peace, and deepen your connection with yourself and others, then Ashtanga yoga may be just the practice you are looking for.
For Ashtanga classes at Breathe Yoga Studio look for Mysore classes, Ashtanga Half Primary and Ashtanga Full Primary on our schedule page