Get to Know Your Spine: A Guide for Ashtanga Yogis

Welcome to the world of Ashtanga Yoga, where we align our breath and movement to create a sense of calm and balance in our lives. One of the most important parts of our physical practice is the spine, the central axis of our body that supports our movements and protects our nervous system. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the anatomy of the spine, its different regions, and how we can enhance our practice by understanding our body’s structure. Section 1: The Anatomy of the Spine Let’s start with the basics. The spine is also known as the spinal column, the vertebral column, or the backbone. It’s made up of 33 specialized bones called vertebrae, which are divided into five regions: the…

Back to Basics: Understanding the Anatomy of Your Back Muscles for a Stronger Ashtanga Practice

Do you ever wonder why your back feels sore after a vigorous Ashtanga practice? Or maybe you’re struggling to lift up into your Chaturanga without collapsing in the middle? It’s time to get back to basics and understand the anatomy of your back muscles! In this lesson, we’ll explore the different categories of back muscles and how to strengthen and stretch them through Ashtanga poses. But don’t worry, we won’t be boring you with complicated medical terms. We’ll keep it fun and easy to understand, just like your yoga practice. Superficial Muscles: Let’s Get This Party Started First up, we have the superficial muscles. Don’t let the name fool you, these muscles play a vital role in your yoga practice. The trapezius, latissimus dorsi (lats),…

The Importance of a Healthy Spine in Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga yoga is a dynamic and physically challenging practice that requires strength, flexibility, and balance. But did you know that all of these elements depend on the health of your spine? In this article, we will explore the functions of the spine and the attributes of a healthy spine, and how they relate to your Ashtanga yoga practice. The Functions of the Spine The spine is a complex structure that serves many important functions in the body. It houses the spinal cord, which provides communication between the brain and the rest of the nervous system. It also transmits loads between the upper body and the lower body, and creates attachment points for muscles and bones, allowing for flexible movement in a range of directions. Finally,…

Understanding the Movements of the Spine in Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga yoga is a dynamic and challenging practice that requires a deep understanding of the movements of the spine. In this blog post, we will explore the six directions of spinal movement and how they inform our practice. We will also discuss the importance of spinal alignment and how to apply this knowledge to different categories of asana. Ashtanga yoga is a dynamic and challenging practice that requires a deep understanding of the movements of the spine. In this blog post, we will explore the six directions of spinal movement and how they inform our practice. We will also discuss the importance of spinal alignment and how to apply this knowledge to different categories of asana. The Six Directions of Spinal Movement A balanced yoga…

Yoga Philosophy: Exploring its Origins and Impact on Practice

Yoga is a practice that is becoming increasingly popular around the world, and for good reason. Not only does it offer a way to improve physical health and flexibility, but it also has a profound impact on mental and spiritual wellbeing. At the heart of yoga is a philosophy that underlies the practice, and understanding this philosophy can lead to a more well-rounded and fulfilling yoga practice. In this blog post, we will explore the origins of yoga philosophy, its relationship to Hinduism, and its potential impact on a yoga practice. Origins of Yoga Philosophy The origins of yoga philosophy can be traced back to the Vedas, a collection of texts that were written between 3,000 and 6,000 years ago. The Vedas are considered to…

A Yogi’s Guide to the Branches of Yoga

A Yogi’s Guide to the Branches of Yoga

Introduction: Welcome fellow yogis! Today we are going to explore the diverse branches of yoga and understand their origins. This guide will help deepen our understanding of Bhakti, Jnana, Raja, Tantra, and Hatha Yoga. So, roll out your mat, breathe, and let’s get started. Bhakti: Yoga of Devotion Bhakti yoga is known as the path of devotion. Those who practice Bhakti yoga see the divine in all. They believe in invoking love and feeling a sense of closeness to the divine through their thoughts, words, and deeds. The practices of Bhakti yoga include chanting mantras and kirtan. Krishna has explained this yogic path in “The Bhagavad Gita.” Karma: Yoga of Action Karma yoga is known as the path of service or union through action. Karma…

The Power of Mudras: How Hand Gestures Can Enhance Your Ashtanga Yoga Practice

Introduction: As an Ashtanga yoga practitioner, you are likely familiar with the physical postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama) that form the foundation of your practice. But you may not know about the powerful tool of mudras, or hand gestures, which can enhance your practice by influencing the flow of energy in your body and mind. In this article, we will explore the definition of mudras, their importance in Hatha Yoga, and how they can enhance your Ashtanga yoga practice. What are Mudras? Mudras are symbolic hand positions and body postures used in yoga and meditation that influence the flow of energy in the body and mind. The term “mudra” comes from the Sanskrit word meaning “seal,” “mark,” “gesture,” or “symbol.” In non-traditional usage, the…

Get Your Sanskrit On: The Language of Yoga

As Ashtanga yoga practitioners, we are familiar with the Sanskrit names of the yoga poses, or asanas. But have you ever wondered about the origins of this ancient language and its significance in the yoga tradition? In this post, we will explore the fascinating world of Sanskrit and its connection to our practice. What is Sanskrit? Sanskrit is an ancient language that originated in India over 3,000 years ago. It is considered to be the mother of all Indo-European languages and is one of the oldest languages on Earth. The word Sanskrit itself translates to “perfected,” “polished,” or “refined.” This is because Sanskrit was developed to communicate spiritual insights and was used mainly for religious and scientific discourse. Unique Qualities of Sanskrit Sanskrit is a…

Express "Unlocking the Power of Bandhas in Ashtanga Yoga" in a surrelist way.

Unlocking the Power of Bandhas in Ashtanga Yoga

As an Ashtanga yoga practitioner, you may have heard of bandhas, the “locks” or “seals” that can help accumulate and channel prana, or life force energy. These advanced yogic techniques require time and patience to master, but can be a powerful tool in taking your yoga practice to the next level. In this article, we’ll explore how to unlock the power of bandhas in Ashtanga yoga. Understanding Bandhas In Ashtanga yoga, bandhas are a part of the larger group of yogic techniques called mudras, which are designed to “seal energy.” Each bandha is said to close or seal a part of the body in order to contain and direct energy. There are three main bandhas in Ashtanga yoga: Using Bandhas in Ashtanga Yoga Bandhas can…

MJH on “Get Your Sanskrit On: The Language of Yoga”

As Ashtanga yoga practitioners, we are familiar with the Sanskrit names of the yoga poses, or asanas. But have you ever wondered about the origins of this ancient language and its significance in the yoga tradition? In this post, we will explore the fascinating world of Sanskrit and its connection to our practice. What is Sanskrit? Sanskrit is an ancient language that originated in India over 3,000 years ago. It is considered to be the mother of all Indo-European languages and is one of the oldest languages on Earth. The…