Why I Practice Ashtanga
I came to Ashtanga by default. I had been attending a power yoga class where I used to live in Northampton and the teacher went on maternity leave. An Ashtanga teacher had relocated to the area and she continued with the class – and so did the students.
Ashtanga is a flow-based yoga style where movement is linked to the breath and we flow through a set series of postures which are held for 5 breaths. And it has a bit of a reputation for being tough. I had no idea about this when I started – I just continued to attend the class and instead of teacher X there was teacher Y at the front of the class.
I’m not going to lie – its not an easy practice…
I’m not going to lie – its not an easy practice – but if yoga was easy – there would be no point in it.
The more I practised the more fascinated I became as I could see how my body and mind were changing. I was stronger, more flexible, had more stamina, focus and courage.
Everyone has at least one “ nemesis “ pose which if you are “ lucky “ you meet only a few times a year in a vinyasa flow class.
In Ashtanga, you meet it EVERY time you step on the mat. My first reaction when I met mine was to avoid it. But there’s only so many times you can have a “ sudden “ need to go to the loo, adjust your clothing, cough, sneeze, blow your nose or have a drink of water before your teacher notices or you just feel really silly. Then, when I realised that I couldn’t avoid it I got angry. I mean REALLY angry.
But being angry is so exhausting, time-consuming and futile – because the pose isn’t going to go away. So I gave it, softened and opened to the pose and its possibilities.
I accepted where I was on my journey and the limitations which went with that. I took modifications. When I fell, I smiled and got back on with it. And over time I found that my nemesis pose wasn’t actually that bad after all. And whilst we shall never be best friends we are acquaintances and can tolerate each others company.
Ashtanga teaches us to be humble…
More than any other style of yoga, Ashtanga teaches us to be humble and to accept where we are on our own unique path. But in return, it gives us so much back whether on a physical, spiritual or mental level.
Yoga, just like life is a journey that has many twists and turns. Don’t resist what is thrown at you – take it in, accept it and embrace it.
I teach Ashtanga twice a week and have 2 special workshops planned throughout the year.
Michelle Higgins
Ashtanga and Vinyasa Flow Teacher Southampton and Hampshire
info@michellehigginsyoga.co.uk
07803 586161
