SIMPLY ASHTANGA

         

Pamela

I give thanks for this practice everyday.  Ashtanga began as a healing therapy for me - a way to return my body to being vital and pain free after many years of competitive sport.  Over the years, not only did my body repair itself, but every aspect of my personal nature and my life also became filled with an ease and a lightness that is difficult to put into words.  When Guruji says, and he often does, "practice, and all is coming", he is stating a simple truth that he has witnessed in his students over the past 70 years of his teaching.  I believe the "all" that Guruji speaks about is literally all - meaning the things we percieve as 'good', as 'bad' and everything in between.  This practice and this life aren't all roses and rainbows, but regardless of what they are, we can face them without fear, without labels and knowing, that after all, "All is God".  Getting on your yoga mat helps to remind you of that on a very real basis every day.  The power of this beautiful practice lies in its ability to enable all of us to tap into our greatest human potential - to love ourselves and all others.  There are no secrets, no tricks and no complicated theories within this method.  It is already all within us and the practice of Ashtanga, done with self love and acceptance, dedication and devotion, as well as a sense of humor simply helps us to rediscover it.

My life has brought me in contact with SO many amazing teachers, and I thank all of you deeply.  Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Sharath Rangaswamy, Saraswathi Rangaswamy, Nancy Gilgoff, David Williams and Eileen Hall to name but a few.  And my first and greatest teachers ever - mom, dad, and my brother Bart.  And of course, my partner Jake, who for over a decade has been a bottomless tap of love, honesty and laughter.

I am usually found practicing, teaching (and surfing!) in Hawaii, Australia or Asia as well as studying yearly in Mysore, India with Guruji and family.  Thank you to Guruji and Sharath who have given me the authorization to teach the Ashtanga Yoga method as they have taught me.  www.ashtanga.com/html/classes.html#hawaii

Jake

I really do love this practice, it feels so good and is so benefitial for daily living, it's almost magical. I've found that the process of daily practice fine tunes the body making it healthy, strong, efficient and relaxed. It seems that when the body is in such a state that the mind, which is inextricably linked with the body, also becomes relaxed and a little clearer, almost transparent.  This allows the perception of a greater reality beyond the mind to penetrate one's awareness. It's really quite remarkable.

My experience has been that as I more clearly understand the functioning of the mind, and the way in which it seems to veil the more subtle pulse of life, I am identifying less and less with the almost continuous stream of thoughts and ideas generated by it. By associating less with the mental activity, or ego, I'm more able to completely trust in the flow of life as it unfolds, regardless of what's going on. It seems that all this simply happens, and accepting this I can sit back and enjoy the ride, somewhat detached. At least this has been my own personal experience. All I really know is that I'm a lot more content and at ease than I was ten years ago. I don't pretend to really understand what the hell is going on, though this practice certainly appears to be of great benefit - it constantly amazes and intrigues me and keeps me coming back to my mat each morning.

Apart from doing this practice I love to surf. Growing up by the ocean in Australia instilled a deep respect for the great salty beast and riding waves became a real passion. I can't think of anything more fun or too many better ways to pass the time, plus it gives rise to its share of mindless moments of stillness.

Since I'm up on the soapbox I'd like to give love and thank yous to my lovely and supportive family, especially my old granma who just turned 90 and still gets around with ease and grace. Big thanks and love to Sri K. Pattabhi Jois for his stoic dedication to the practice and for continuing to pass on this truly remarkable system in all its beauty, simplicity and purity. And to Sharath Rangaswamy for his unshakable dedication to maintaining the ancient lineage.  Thanks also to Nancy Gilgoff for keeping it simple and soft and loving. And finally to my beautiful princess Pamela whom I love more than anything. Oh, and l'omino, my coffee pot.

I'm currently enjoying my fourth trip to Mysore and shall continue to return as there's nothing quite like practising at the source...