YOU'RE INVITED TO JOIN US AT COMMUNITY YOGA CENTER FOR CLASSIC ASHTANGA WITH TOBY!
Classic ashtanga links intentional breathing with a dynamic sequence of about 75 postures known as “primary series.” Each posture is held for about five breaths and is flanked by transitional breaths and movements into and out of the poses. Because the set sequence is the same during every practice, a regular frame of reference is created to observe the felt sense of the body, mind, and heart. This awareness combined with the synchronization of mindful breath and movement creates a powerful style of asana practice. Once the practice is learned, it may be self-guided with ease - anytime, anywhere, without the assistance of a guide.
Like new skool ashtanga, this version of classic ashtanga emphasizes the joy of practice - the creativity, love, and self-realization that’s cultivated in an atmosphere of infinite possibilities.
No experience is necessary and there is never a cost. We welcome everyBODY. We so hope to practice with YOU in commUNITY!
WHAT TO WEAR & BRING
We recommend wearing comfortable layered clothing to help regulate preferred body temperature. If you have postural practice supports like mats, blankets, bolsters, blocks, and straps, please bring them with you. We have community practice supports for you to use as well. Feel free to borrow any community practice support to facilitate and enhance your practice. We also suggest bringing water to maintain hydration after practice.
WE ARE BUILT ON GIVING
Our practice opportunities are provided solely through voluntary giving. The giving of many is what allows the practice opportunities to be offered so freely. Anyone who’s experienced benefit from our offerings is invited to give for the benefit of others. There are many ways to give beyond financial contributions. Giving includes all types of altruistic service, inside or outside our yoga community. Giving also includes generously sharing yoga and consistently practicing yoga with honesty and love. This kind of perpetual giving makes living yoga possible.
In giving, we loosen the grip of our greatest source of suffering - self-absorption. We expand our hearts in a way that recognizes we are not actually separate from others. Giving is a letting go of a sense of separateness that’s based in ignorance. When we practice giving, we feel into how we all depend on one another - how we are all part of the whole. In this way, giving is the natural response of the awakened heart.
You’re invited to give according to your volition and means - in whatever ways resonate with you. You might like to make monetary donations, contribute to our collective resources, or dedicate your time and skill to assist the community.
A NOTE ON THE ORIGINS OF ASHTANGA VINYASA YOGA
Ashtanga vinyasa yoga originated from a sequence of poses created by Tirumalai Krishnamacharya based on what he learned from Rama Mohan Brahmachari in the early 1900s. Krishna Pattabhi Jois, a student of Krishnamacharya, began teaching the sequence in led classes that emphasized synchronized group movement. Jois coined the term “ashtanga yoga” to describe his sharing of postural practice in this way. The practice spread through the efforts of many of Jois’ early students, including David Swenson and Richard Freeman, and influenced many current styles of postural practice, including all types of vinyasa flow and power yoga practices. Over time, this style of yoga has evolved, leading to various interpretations of the practice.