Video: Offering and Receiving Guidance in Ashtanga
This is a video about Offering and Receiving Guidance in Ashtanga Yoga. Reach out if you’re looking for guidance in Ashtanga Yoga. https://michaeljoelhall.com/coaching
00:00 Introduction to Evolving Teacher-Student Relationships
00:07 Challenges in Modern Ashtanga Yoga
00:42 Personalization in Teaching
01:03 Importance of Communication
01:51 Sustainable and Supportive Learning
02:07 Honoring Tradition Through Adaptation
02:43 Future Directions in Ashtanga Yoga
03:18 Conclusion: Embracing Tradition and Personalization
Counting Your Way to Clarity: The Transformative Journey of Parsvottanasana
Embark on a transformative journey with Parsvottanasana, the intense side stretch pose. This powerful asana transcends physicality, offering profound insights into both body and mind. As you dive deeper into the pose, discover how the art of counting can illuminate your practice, providing clarity and focus that enhances your ashtanga experience.
Anatomy of Parsvottanasana
Parsvottanasana challenges the body, inviting the pelvis to rotate towards the front leg while engaging key muscle groups. Seamlessly transitioning from Ardha Chandrasana, this pose not only intensifies the stretch but also awakens various muscle fibers, particularly in your hamstrings and calves.
PÄRSVÕTTANASANA (5 MOVEMENTS)
1
EKAM
Inhale, open to the right, hands in prayer behind back
2
DVE
Exhale, fold
3
TRINI
Inhale, up, turn to the front
4
CATVARI
Exhale, fold
5
PANCA
Inhale, up, open to the side
Exhale, Samasthiti
Counterbalancing the Mind and Body
Each count in Parsvottanasana connects breath, movement, and intention, creating a rhythm that anchors your practice. As you breathe, you cultivate awareness and clarity, harmonizing the mental and physical realms—ultimately discovering the profound interconnectedness of your being.
Mindful Preparations
Preparation is crucial for a safe and effective Parsvottanasana. Begin in Tadasana with hands in reverse namaste, opening your shoulders and releasing tension. This mindful approach sets the stage for a deeper stretch, inviting clarity into your alignment and practice.
Synergizing for Success
The pectoralis major collaborates with the subscapularis and teres major to inwardly rotate the upper arm while stretching shoulder external rotators.
Upper back muscles pull shoulder blades toward the spine, creating space in the chest.
The rectus abdominis stabilizes the fold, while the psoas maintains the extended leg’s position.
By harnessing these relationships, you amplify your experience in Parsvottanasana, moving beyond physicality to cultivate clarity both on and off the mat.
For deepening your understanding of Parsvottanasana and its counting, explore our detailed guide: Parsvauttanasana – The Count.
Ultimately, Parsvottanasana invites us into a dance of awareness—a fusion of physical engagement and mental clarity. Embrace each of the five movements, counting intentionally, and uncover how this practice can enhance your yoga journey and everyday life.
Are you a Chaos Muppet or an Order Muppet? Explore the challenges and joys of being a ‘chaos Muppet’ Ashtanga Yoga teacher. I discuss finding a balance between the structured discipline of Ashtanga and a spontaneous, adaptable teaching style. The piece highlights the importance of being true to oneself in teaching and the advantages of blending structured methods with creative freedom. This approach fosters an inclusive and dynamic learning environment.
Understanding Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga with Michael Joel Hall
I practice and teach Mysore style Ashtanga yoga, which is a little different from other styles of yoga. People are often confused about what makes it special and they have a good reason to be so confused. Let’s get into it.
00:00 Introduction to Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga
00:13 Origins and Unique Approach
00:29 Key Methods and Techniques
00:38 Commitment and Benefits
00:47 Historical Roots and Modern Adaptations
00:59 Conclusion: A Path to Transformation
Ashtanga yoga’s beauty lies in its rhythm, and within that rhythm, we find two transformative asanas: Padangusthasana and Padahastasana. These foundational poses invite you to stretch beyond physical limitations while deepening your connection to breath and balance. In this article, we will dissect the count that guides these postures, elevating your practice from mere motion to a profound exploration of self. Join us as we unveil the subtleties of these forward bends, revealing how they illuminate the path to mastery in your Ashtanga journey
The counts in Uttitha Parsvakonasana A and B. Discover how these rhythmic breath counts can anchor your practice, creating a seamless flow between movement and mindfulness. With detailed insights on posture, breath, and anatomy, this blog invites you to deepen your connection to each pose. Elevate your practice—one count at a time.
Embark on a transformative journey as we unveil the essence of Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga—a practice steeped in history and rich with personal discovery. Rooted in the teachings of yoga luminaries Krishnamacharya and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Mysore style offers a unique blend of personalized instruction, self-paced progression, and a profound connection to breath and movement. This blog delves into the hallmarks that define this remarkable method, inviting both newcomers and seasoned yogis to deepen their understanding and foster independence on their mats. Whether you seek alignment, mindfulness, or a structured path to self-discovery, join us as we explore how Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga can become a powerful tool for growth and transformation.
