Reflections

The count in Ashtanga Yoga is a key component of the practice, helping students maintain a steady rhythm and focus their attention on the breath. In Ashtanga Yoga, each posture is performed with a specific number of breaths, known as the vinyasa count. The count is typically given by the teacher, but it’s important for students to also learn the count themselves as a way to deepen their understanding of the practice. The primary and intermediate series of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga include a total of 72 postures, which are performed in a specific order. In a guided class, they often use a Sanskrit count. The postures in these series are considered “half vinyasa” because we don’t return to the top of the mat in between…