Yoga

My Yoga Journey began in 2003 when I suffered an injury snowboarding and tore a ligament in my right knee. The timing of the injury was jarring and it sent me into a spiral of emotion, but, amidst all the mental chaos, my Heart and Soul knew I needed to change my ways. “It”, the way I did life,  just wasn’t working anymore. 

So I surrendered. Ishvara pranidhana.. 

I’m pretty sure I cried my way through the first few years of classes. I trembled as I watched my nervous system unwind and release years of efforting, tension, and just plain aggression in the shapes (asanas) we made. I was humbled by the fact that Yoga could be referred to as Grace in Action, and that ‘Nike Just Do It’ was not the goal.

I learned that the breath was medicine, and I was the Jungle Doctor (jāṅgalikāyamāne) or the highest physician of myself. This was empowering for me because it inspired a desire to advocate for myself, and have personal accountability- but in a new way. 

I learned that I am not a naturally flexible person, but I do have willingness and discipline, which increased my flexibility. Not only did my body become more open and subtle, my mind became more open and mailable. Change was possible. Joy was attainable again. And, dang my body was feeling so open!

The process of alchemy that birthed cellular lightness within my body was, and still is today, priceless and very palpable.

The Yoga that I offer is based on traditional foundations: The Breath, The Eye Gaze, and the Body shapes. It is called the Tristhana of Yoga, the 3 foundations. Click on the hyperlinks to learn more about the scientific workings of its benefits.

From my perspective, Yoga is a path of healthy living and self realization. A place of re-membering. 

Yoga means ‘to yoke’. So, welcome! To each breath. To each moment. To the opportunity to understand the contents of our mind. 

The Breath

“Ujjayi Pranayama is another tool to add to our box, another practice which encourages the mind to rest its awareness on the present moment, and identify with our immediate experience.”

Eye Gaze

“Monkey eyes, monkey mind.”

Body Shapes (Postures)

“Effort without aggression and relaxation without dullness, that is Yoga.”

What IS Ashtanga Yoga??

Ashtanga yoga is a style of yoga that involves a series of poses performed in a specific order, with breath synchronized to movement. It's considered a modern form of classical Indian yoga. 

https://theyogainstitute.org/the-eight-limbs-of-ashtanga-yoga

How it's practiced

Ashtanga yoga is practiced in a sequence of poses called asanas. The poses are linked by flowing movements called vinyasas. The practice emphasizes the connection between breath and movement. The practice is often taught in the Mysore style (the Indian town where it originated) , where the teacher guides each student individually. Students perform the poses at their own pace. The practice is designed to be practiced over time, allowing for gradual progression. 

Benefits

Ashtanga yoga can help you develop a strong foundation and a deep understanding of each posture. It can help you learn to be more satisfied with yourself. It can help you discover physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. 

How I teach

I practice the traditional sequence, so it is what I know best. It is also the source of my inspiration, which became the alchemy I needed for change.  

I also offer individual  modifications during the practice. No body is made the same. What is easy for me, might be difficult for you- and vice versa. The postures are just the doorway into the real. The real you. The real practice. The real moment. 

Learn more here:

https://sharathyogacentre.com/