Evolving Mysore Practice

An interesting article in the recent Ashtanga Yoga School Philadelphia newsletter. I really like the author's concept of saving some asanas for my next life. And yes, I too know of parts of the practice alluding me - yet we continue to practice. "Nothing is perfect. Or permanent." She nailed it!

Student Spotlight:
Karen Karuza
Confessions of a "Yoga Hussy"

 I did not choose this ashtanga practice--the practice found me. Never in this lifetime have I been a Flipper, Flyer or Bendy Barbie. My mother often tells the story of my early childhood dance lessons and how it took a year for me to finally master a cartwheel. I live and breathe fashion-went to design school in New York, worked on 7th Avenue. All flash and glam. I disco roller skated, went to the gym, pumped iron, did aerobics, studied tae kwon do and took up spin class. Once I got a yoga video out of the library and attempted "Tree" and "Mountain" pose-not too successfully. A friend suggested "Bikram Yoga." I liked the intensity. That studio brought in a teacher from New York and I made the switch to Ashtanga. Within no time this was soon to evolve into a Mysore room. Not quite sure what that would really mean, I googled some images and thought "What the hell is going on in there?" That was over a dozen years ago. The practice found me. And I found my practice. I never did a backbend or headstand until I was more than several decades into this life. At AYS I am often in a room where I have tattoos older than most of the lovely people practicing beside me. When an asana looks so impossible (and many do) I think, "I'll save that one for my next life." The breath-yes,that natural habit we all have-has so much power. And yet, I STILL cannot harness it! The bhandas! The roots, locks-still so often elude my attempts. But I will continue to try. Nothing is perfect. Or permanent. It is difficult to articulate all that transpires and transforms from practicing Ashtanga. The blogoshpere and Facebook are chockablock with those perhaps more eloquent than I on this matter. However, for me, this practice changes everything--internally, externally, redefines ego and humility, discourages competition and encourages introspection, learning and re-learning. Again. And again. It sometimes shouts but more often it whispers-very quietly. So as is life on and off the mat.

 I have been studying and "flowing on the crooked path" with David Garrigues since shortly after he settled in Philadelphia.