“Do you practice and All is coming.” Sri K Pattabhi Jois

Traditional and Contemporary Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga is a system of yoga transmitted to the modern world by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009). This method of yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures—a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.

  99% Practice, 1% Theory  Many people who do yoga have heard this phrase,  It talks of the need to immerse yourself in the actual practice of yoga, rather than theorize on what it “could” do.  It is the equivalent of saying: “Participate!  Don’t just stand there on the sidelines!”  But there’s another way to view it too. “99% Practice, 1% Theory,” also refers to the way in which you live your life.  It asks the question-How do you apply Yoga to your life?  By only “doing Yoga” on the mat, you’re essentially just theorizing about the effect Yoga can have.  But by living out the various teachings you gain in class, you can start to see their real wonder.  In your life do you expand your stretch to see what you can do?  Can you turn within when you encounter turbulence in your day?  Can you stand quiet and balanced while all around you people scurry around?  Can you struggle and persevere and then not be attached to the  outcome?  You can choose yourself how the Yoga manifests in your day, but the idea is to live consciously. 

 “Masala” is the Hindi word meaning “spicy blend.” Masalasana is a versatile and creative blend of Ashtanga yoga series 1-4. integrating strength, fluidity, alignment, breath, and meditation, for a complete and absorbing mind/body/spirit experience. Classes are dynamic as well as intelligent and meditative. This is a class that is unique and is offered to the seasoned (intermediate to advanced) practioner.  Monday night, 5:30 - 6:40pm and then create your own or traditional closing sequence to rest.  Ebullience that will whirl up your inner fire!

There are two additonal Yogapolitan classes on the Spring schedule, a Tuesday and a Thursday class have been added and both of these have a start time at 1:05 pm, class is about 55 minutes. This may help with your busy schedule and ours too. 

Bellyfit is back in the schedule, Thursday 5:30-6:30pm and Sunday 1-2pm. Contact Amah for specific class information: ak_wildflower@hotmail.com 

SOLD OUT Plans have been made for the May SUP Adventure - it will be held at Auke Lake, Saturday May 26, on the water and yoga. This involves Paddleboards and on board YOGA!. The sign up is limited to 5 students, the cost is $50 which is paddleboard and wetsuit rental for 1/2 day from Blue Nose Surf.  Experience the excitement of a new challenge, the fullfilling rewards and memories of adventure. 
Contact me, stephanie@ashtangayogajuneau.com  to register or if you want more information. Remember space is very limited. The last date to register and pay for the Adventure is May 18.  I will need your wetsuit/bootie size or if you have your own wetsuit, that cost will be deducted. 
 
The popularity of the modern sport of SUP’ing has its origin in the Hawaiian Islands. In the early 1960s, the beach boys of Waikiki would stand on their long boards, and paddle out with outrigger paddles to take pictures of the tourists learning to surf. This is where the term “beach boy surfing”, another name for Stand Up Paddle Surfing, originates. 
The sport benefits athletes with a strong ‘core’ workout. SUP’ing is popular at (warm) coastal climates and resorts, and is gaining in popularity as cross-over athletes are training with SUP. SUPs have been spotted around the globe, anywhere there is easy access to safe waters, as well as in the surfing lineups of the world. Another reason for the rise in popularity of stand up paddleboarding is that, unlike surfing, paddleboarding is very easy to learn. Within one hour you can become very comfortable in the water and on your board. Stand up paddleboarding is also more popular with women because of their lower center of gravity, women are more often skilled at paddleboarding than men.
A SUP Adventure, June 24, Paddling with Icebergs, Mendenhall Lake. Sign up now, 6 boards available, and adventures fill fast!    Cost includes board, wetsuit, booties, $50.  Details for the June 24 are available: stephanie@ashtangayogajuneau.com  Late July we will have an incredible guided paddle from ? to ?….specifics revealed very soon.   

 

“Wild Geese”   by Mary Oliver

 

You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees

For a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.

You only have to let the soft animal of your body

love what it loves.

Tell me about your despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.

Meanwhile the world goes on.

Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain

are moving across the landscapes,

over the prairies and the deep trees,

the mountains and the rivers.

Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,

are heading home again.

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,

the world offers itelf to your imagination,

calls you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting–

over and over announcing your place

in the family of things.