Practicing Ashtanga

06/12/2016

The latest... almost finished with the primary series!

Kukkutasana is the twenty-third pose of the primary series, and the eighteenth seated pose. This is the final pose of what is often called the "apex" of the

05/23/2016

I love the Ashtanga opening Mantra. It is a comforting presence to me..
Here are some thoughts about its meaning and translation:

Everywhere in the world, Ashtanga yoga classes start with this mantra. To a long-time practitioner, it becomes a familiar friend and a welcoming presence, a

04/01/2016

Check out this series to learn how to float between postures with Vinyasa:

Rock & Step ( prep ) : https://www.instagram.com/p/BDrEO06DLPw
Part 1: https://www.instagram.com/p/BDrAZ7rjLHG
Part 2: https://www.instagram.com/p/BDrA6ldjLH_/
Part 3: https://www.instagram.com/p/BDrBYKejLJB/
Part 4: https://www.instagram.com/p/BDrB8kIDLKR

Happy practicing!

03/23/2016

Asana is both steady strength and ease, wherein effort becomes effortless and the mind is fixed on the infinite. Then, one is invulnerable to dualism. -Yoga Sutra

Let's unpack that ...

What is a Yoga Asana? How do we practice it? Asana is indispensable, yet it is not a complete Yoga practice in and of itself.

03/22/2016

I'm remembering this wisdom from Mary at the Yoga Workshop.

03/19/2016

Excellent article, very worth reading.

Six fundamental facts most yogis today don't know! Revised version of the controversial post which finally unveils the truth (from the traditional perspective, anyway) about the subtle energy centers called chakras.

03/18/2016

I'm back to publishing How-to Yoga guides after a long pause. Hoping to be have the whole primary series done soon.

Latest updates
Utkatasana
http://up4yoga.com/utkatasana/

Ardha Baddha Pada Padmottanasana
http://up4yoga.com/ardha-baddha-padmottanasana/

& Virabhadrasana
http://up4yoga.com/virabhadrasana-a/

Utkatasana. Learn what to do and what to avoid.

10/07/2015

If you're feeling a bit stiff or in pain, try this stylized version of the sun salutation.

It's also a nice way to start practice on a cold day - do a few of these before the more energetic surya namaskara A.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hef7gZafSqE

03/03/2015

Trikonasana (Triangle) is one of the early poses in the Ashtanga sequence, but it has layers and layers of complexity...

Is your triangle decidedly non-Euclidian? Then you're not getting the juice out of this posture! Trying to create crisp angles (notably at the hip and neck) aren't just for show -- or suffering. They create the therapeutic benefit of this pose, and are necessary to master for several later asana.

Read up, practice, share with your Yoga community :)

Utthita Trikonasana (triangle pose) is the third position of the Ashtanga-Vinyasa standing sequence. Discussion of alignment and practice with photos.

01/24/2015

How much do you know about your pelvis?

Improper alignment can create pain through your whole body! Find out more with my most popular article:

Correct alignment in the pelvis is essential for alignment of Yoga positions. Harness the power of microadjustment with the Asana Project.

11/18/2014

People throw the word BANDHA around like it's confetti at Mardi Gras. Yeah, I use it all the time too.

This is what all the hoopla is about.

New article: http://up4yoga.com/bandha/

Or skip straight to the accompanying video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ3y-Unrjhc

10/29/2014

Have you ever wanted to do a Sun Salutation in the birthland of Yoga?

I'm leading an Ashtanga & Ayurveda retreat to Mysore, India. February 10-19, 2015

More details at http://up4yoga.com/retreats/

If you're interested, send me a note--Registration closes November 1st!

10 Day Yoga & Ayurveda Retreat in Mysore, India February 10-19 with KC Mitchem and Griffin Litwin Register by November 1st! Have you ever wanted to do