Astanga Yoga - Building you up to Self Practice, Evolving you into a new life!

A step in the right place
I was looking for exercise and found much more in Ashtanga yoga Did I choose Ashtanga or did Ashtanga choose me? I often ask myself how I came to take that first step towards my now faithful, battered old mat. All I can say is that I am grateful to whatever forces conspired to push me in the right direction. I turned up to the gym for another mindless workout. I was there in body but definitely not in spirit. I put on my headphones to distract myself from the exercise I was about to endure, when I realised that a Yoga class – Ashtanga – whatever that meant, was about to start. I figured it had to be worth trying before I gave up exercising altogether. Previously I had yearned to be fit and healthy but didn’t know what I really needed to do to achieve this. Coming to Ashtanga Yoga late in life (44yrs), I had tried many different types of exercise, not realising that it wasn’t just exercise that I needed to become truly healthy. Even modern psychology recognises the close connection between the mind and the body and how they interact with each other. Therefore I began to understand that it was important to completely eliminate the disturbances, which arise from the physical body, before tackling the problems of the mind. This can be achieved by working on the asanas thereby moving towards deeper levels of consciousness eventually reaching a position where the body doesn’t require attention from the mind. From my first experience of Ashtanga Yoga I was hooked and I knew that this was going to be very important to me – it fulfilled my needs in a way that I found difficult to understand at the time. I began to regularly practice the primary series and couldn’t get enough of it. I found that the strenuous physical nature of Ashtanga allowed me to learn to align and strengthen my body. By synchronising breathing (ujjayi) with movement and practising Mula, Uddiyana and Jalandhara Bandhas (locks), an intense internal heat is produced. I have learnt that this heat serves to detoxify the body, purifying the muscles and organs, expelling unwanted toxins as well as releasing beneficial hormones and minerals, which can nourish the body. This in turn makes way for clearness and focusing of the mind. In this way Ashtanga vinyasa yoga became a form of meditation for me. I remember the panic when my teacher told me that I needed to work on my own through the primary series, eventually memorising the sequence of postures. Although daunting at the time I can now understand the benefits. I discovered that self-practice is the traditional method of learning the Ashtanga Yoga System, originally started by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India where he has been teaching since 1948. In self –practice each posture is a preparation for the next. resulting in a strength and balance required to progress. Because the sequence of asanas is always the same, students find that they can gauge their progress easily. With the help of adjustments from my teacher I was able to accept my body’s responses to the postures, feel more confident and to trust in my abilities to try new postures. I was able to work with my body whereas when practising gym type exercises I always felt that I was working against my body. Over-time, I felt my body changing shape and my health improving from within. With continued practice and encouragenment with this type of yoga, which produces an internal heat, I found that my warm body could work in ways I had never imagined. When I took that first step onto the mat I was at a stage in my life when I was open to change, to experience something else. To move on through the yoga journey it is necessary to move at ones own pace. I have started on this journey and self –practice in Ashtanga yoga has enabled me to do just that, feeling safe and confident in my assessment of my bodys needs, enabling me to define my direction. I owe much of my positive experiences to my first teacher, James Bradford, who was charismatic and inspirational. James always told us ‘that he believed in us much more than we believed in ourselves.’ He always knew just how far to encourage students enabling them to go deeper into postures. This attitude led to a belief in my self, in my practice, and in my life.

A step in the right place

I was looking for exercise and found much more in Ashtanga yoga

Did I choose Ashtanga or did Ashtanga choose me? I often ask myself how I came to take that first step towards my now faithful, battered old mat. All I can say is that I am grateful to whatever forces conspired to push me in the right direction.

I turned up to the gym for another mindless workout. I was there in body but definitely not in spirit. I put on my headphones to distract myself from the exercise I was about to endure, when I realised that a Yoga class – Ashtanga – whatever that meant, was about to start. I figured it had to be worth trying before I gave up exercising altogether.

Previously I had yearned to be fit and healthy but didn’t know what I really needed to do to achieve this. Coming to Ashtanga Yoga late in life (44yrs), I had tried many different types of exercise, not realising that it wasn’t just exercise that I needed to become truly healthy. Even modern psychology recognises the close connection between the mind and the body and how they interact with each other. Therefore I began to understand that it was important to completely eliminate the disturbances, which arise from the physical body, before tackling the problems of the mind. This can be achieved by working on the asanas thereby moving towards deeper levels of consciousness eventually reaching a position where the body doesn’t require attention from the mind.

From my first experience of Ashtanga Yoga I was hooked and I knew that this was going to be very important to me – it fulfilled my needs in a way that I found difficult to understand at the time. I began to regularly practice the primary series and couldn’t get enough of it. I found that the strenuous physical nature of Ashtanga allowed me to learn to align and strengthen my body. By synchronising breathing (ujjayi) with movement and practising Mula, Uddiyana and Jalandhara Bandhas (locks), an intense internal heat is produced. I have learnt that this heat serves to detoxify the body, purifying the muscles and organs, expelling unwanted toxins as well as releasing beneficial hormones and minerals, which can nourish the body. This in turn makes way for clearness and focusing of the mind. In this way Ashtanga vinyasa yoga became a form of meditation for me.

I remember the panic when my teacher told me that I needed to work on my own through the primary series, eventually memorising the sequence of postures. Although daunting at the time I can now understand the benefits. I discovered that self-practice is the traditional method of learning the Ashtanga Yoga System, originally started by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India where he has been teaching since 1948. In self –practice each posture is a preparation for the next. resulting in a strength and balance required to progress. Because the sequence of asanas is always the same, students find that they can gauge their progress easily. With the help of adjustments from my teacher I was able to accept my body’s responses to the postures, feel more confident and to trust in my abilities to try new postures. I was able to work with my body whereas when practising gym type exercises I always felt that I was working against my body. Over-time, I felt my body changing shape and my health improving from within. With continued practice and encouragenment with this type of yoga, which produces an internal heat, I found that my warm body could work in ways I had never imagined.

When I took that first step onto the mat I was at a stage in my life when I was open to change, to experience something else. To move on through the yoga journey it is necessary to move at ones own pace. I have started on this journey and self –practice in Ashtanga yoga has enabled me to do just that, feeling safe and confident in my assessment of my bodys needs, enabling me to define my direction.

I owe much of my positive experiences to my first teacher, James Bradford, who was charismatic and inspirational. James always told us ‘that he believed in us much more than we believed in ourselves.’ He always knew just how far to encourage students enabling them to go deeper into postures. This attitude led to a belief in my self, in my practice, and in my life.


What made me start ashtanga yoga ? Honestly, the initial attraction I had was because of the fact that I was so stressed out at work and was looking for a good stretch! However I was surprised to discover the studio was filled with laughter and so much support and enthusiasm , that it intrigued me and I kept on coming back for more! Not to mention the fact that it so very physically challenging. It was persistence and belief that led me down a very different path than the one I imagined I would be on now. My curiosity led me to study in greater depth and having been on a 3 month retreat to India, yoga is no longer just a good stretch and a nap at the end of the mat!! Yoga actually transforms people! Not only in the physical sense. It offers the opportunity for people to get everything covered and still have time for a life. It seems to work in two ways. It inspires a healthier lifestyle which in turn boosts the practice. It assists people to return to a sense of balance. So now its not just the physical it’s the package! The mind and body cant be separated into 2 entities. We come as one!!! And the more energy you put out the more you get back and loving what you do is simply a bonus! How has astanga yoga changed my life? Where do I begin? When I first started astanga yoga, a complete novice, I was looking for a form of exercise that would sustain my interest for longer than a couple of weeks. Little did I realize that I would find something much more fulfilling, which would not only help me to get back in touch with my body, but would alter my state of mind and give me a self confidence that would begin to permeate through the rest of my life. I had certainly not expected that by stretching every part of my body, (including my eyebrows, it seemed) I would find a type of spiritual release I had never before encountered. Initially my experience was that of renewed energy, which made me want to continue. However, I then began to realize that in trying to juggle childcare, work, the needs of husband and family I had actually neglected myself. As a result I had lost sight of my own needs and although I was running around without a moment to spare, I was not doing anything particularly well. At one stage before starting yoga I had become quite depressed, and worst of all I was not able to stop and ask why this had happened. Gradually this situation started to change, yoga made me stop and ask questions, surprisingly I found this mainly enjoyable, but sometimes disturbing. However the benefits far outweighed the difficulties, which I have now come to view as necessary for positive change. I have learnt on a basic level that if I take time out for myself then I release the capacity to give to others. Astanga yoga has taught me how to enjoy and experience the moment; in fact this type of yoga is so intense that it is impossible to be anywhere except in the moment whilst actually practicing. The difficult part is learning to replicate this focus off the mat. I developed a kind of addiction to my yoga, as it was my pathway to banishing all other thoughts and worries. I was not in competition with anyone else and there were no games to be played as in other parts of my life, particularly in my work life. It improved my concentration; it was addictive in that it allowed me to return to that state of pure focus, time and time again in between the demands of a busy lifestyle. In fact, surprisingly some of my best practice times have been during times of extreme anxiety and stress. An even greater plus on the physical side was that my menstrual cycle changed. Menstruation lasted for a shorter time and became lighter, wow- what a result this was! Much more than I deserved, or was it? I had worked very hard, disciplined myself and was now reaping the benefits. As my menstrual cycle changed, I discovered that this was just the beginning of positive changes in my life. After living with a tendency to fear change I am becoming aware of the fact that change often encourages creativity, however inevitably hard this may seem at the time, it often necessary in order to achieve a greater step or a higher level. This is evident when practicing astanga over a period of time, as the body changes, the mind becomes stronger and I have noticed that the development of a lightness of body has brought about a lightness of mind and an ability to overcome fear within myself so much so that I have realized that what I once thought was unattainable is now within reach, both physically and mentally. Although my journey has just begun, already my priorities in life have changed, my need for material goods has now become a need for a greater inner quality of life, which I continue to strive for and hope to share with my children and those around me. I came to yoga mind-driven, a decision I made in the same way as every other decision at that time.it stacked up on the common sense front, had been recommended by someone who's opinion I rated, was something I hadn't tried before and hey, what did I have to loose? I expected little more than a temporary diversion, after all I was used to being hyped- up, living on nervous energy (since being a kid, let's face it) and extremely easily bored. So there I was, my first class, chattering mind, stressed out body and a spirit that had taken a vow of silence cos I'd ignored it so long! What I actually discovered, weekly and then more frequently, as I rolled out my mat was a plunge pool of intense depth. (yes I bought a mat straight away, but that was no big commitment for me.it'd be in Oxfam before long and someone else would at least benefit from my latest fad) From the start I closed my eyes, why? - god knows. I was sort of hooked but not in a frenetic, rabbit in the headlights way, this was different. There was no desperation for an adrenaline kick, no craving a high, just a deep stillness that fascinated me, scared me and sort of called me. And then it started..First my Body started to change, I had a season ticket at the osteopath, monthly for the previous 5 years.within 3 months of regular Asana practice I completely stopped needing his help. I slept better, breathed more deeply (when awake I mean) tasted my food more, and had more energy (that I still used up too fast!) I gave up alcohol (just sort of went off it, revolutionary for me!) and finally committed to being a vegetarian. ...Then my Mind sort of responded..it started taking a back seat occasionally and oops my spirit emerged (in the form of tears.lots of them). At this point it's hard.you can either get embarrassed, then angry, blame the yoga and quit (all in about 2 minutes flat), which is actually your mind's way of regaining control.or you can take that step and jump. I still don't know if the jump I took was mind- driven, (goading me to crave the adrenaline rush whilst sardonically 'knowing' it'd fizzle out) or was it my spirit that saw a chink in my to date impenetrable defenses and rushed for the light? Either way - I jumped. ...Now came the scary bit, my Spirit roared. Subdue something living for long enough and it bursts forth, uncontrollable, stamping it's mark on all it touches. Those tears now expressed deep relief. The very thing I feared was the very thing I craved.I had been so busy searching that I hadn't stopped for long enough to listen. The answer was in the silence, silence that terrified me in the past. If I stopped filling the silence I had thought life'd be a void. Wait for it..it's the other way round. Yup that stuff we are all sold in the media, our western materialistic culture, the 'buy your way to happiness' route is a Borg-like conspiracy to control us, rats in a trap, Trueman Show here we come (actually the film Pleasantville is a much better portrayal of the same concept). 'Yoga' starts on the mat but it is sooo much more (there are 8 aspects to occupy you - called the 8 limbs) Yes staying with the mat is fine - you'll get the benefits at a health level. And if you decide against the jump that's ok too, your spirit will eventually push you anyway, if not in this existence then in your next. But what I found was a deep, inky-coloured plunge pool, draped with lush vegetation and surrounded by high, protective mountains. It sort of felt like I had found whatever it was I had been looking for, but I can't explain it. All I know, 18 months later, is that I am not bored. I am still mentally agile but not in a competitive, win at all costs way. I still have adrenaline rushes but now I can differentiate the 'head' ones from the 'Spirit' ones, and believe me the Spirit ones are far better. I guess, not that I can really summarize all this, that in short yoga has, and is still, changing my outlook and approach to life. My most recent challenge is getting rid of dead animal products from my life.clothes, shoes, leather sofas and car seats! There's not much point in having ethics if they don't challenge you! Looking back my journey with yoga hasn't been all peace and harmony but then everyone's journey is different. If this is the start of yours I urge you to take that step and experience the exhilaration of the mountain tops, the nourishment of the greenery and the treasures of the inky depths. Like me..what have you got to loose? R. Ashtanga yoga is a very calming influence for me. I usually go into the class with a million thoughts whizzing round my brain and by the time I've finished my practice, I'm in a much more peaceful frame of mind and feel really good. In fact, I've felt much healthier in every way since starting - less stressed, more connected to others and the world at large, and I feel much more comfortable in my body. I remember when I was a beginner thinking I would never get into some of the postures but after a while I could - which makes you realise how much you can accomplish in other areas of your life too - becoming more supple and flexible really frees you up physically, mentally and spiritually - as within, so without and vice versa. I prefer the dynamic quality of this yoga compared to other types I've tried - it's somehow more energising to have continuous movement and set postures to work on, and the meditation/relaxation at the end is blissful and very relaxing. I've made some lovely friends through the classes too.

What made me start ashtanga yoga ?

Honestly, the initial attraction I had was because of the fact that I was so stressed out at work and was looking for a good stretch! However I was surprised to discover the studio was filled with laughter and so much support and enthusiasm , that it intrigued me and I kept on coming back for more! Not to mention the fact that it so very physically challenging.

It was persistence and belief that led me down a very different path than the one I imagined I would be on now. My curiosity led me to study in greater depth and having been on a 3 month retreat to India, yoga is no longer just a good stretch and a nap at the end of the mat!!

Yoga actually transforms people! Not only in the physical sense. It offers the opportunity for people to get everything covered and still have time for a life. It seems to work in two ways. It inspires a healthier lifestyle which in turn boosts the practice. It assists people to return to a sense of balance.

So now its not just the physical it’s the package! The mind and body cant be separated into 2 entities. We come as one!!! And the more energy you put out the more you get back and loving what you do is simply a bonus!

How has astanga yoga changed my life?

Where do I begin? When I first started astanga yoga, a complete novice, I was looking for a form of exercise that would sustain my interest for longer than a couple of weeks. Little did I realize that I would find something much more fulfilling, which would not only help me to get back in touch with my body, but would alter my state of mind and give me a self confidence that would begin to permeate through the rest of my life. I had certainly not expected that by stretching every part of my body, (including my eyebrows, it seemed) I would find a type of spiritual release I had never before encountered.

Initially my experience was that of renewed energy, which made me want to continue. However, I then began to realize that in trying to juggle childcare, work, the needs of husband and family I had actually neglected myself. As a result I had lost sight of my own needs and although I was running around without a moment to spare, I was not doing anything particularly well. At one stage before starting yoga I had become quite depressed, and worst of all I was not able to stop and ask why this had happened. Gradually this situation started to change, yoga made me stop and ask questions, surprisingly I found this mainly enjoyable, but sometimes disturbing. However the benefits far outweighed the difficulties, which I have now come to view as necessary for positive change. I have learnt on a basic level that if I take time out for myself then I release the capacity to give to others. Astanga yoga has taught me how to enjoy and experience the moment; in fact this type of yoga is so intense that it is impossible to be anywhere except in the moment whilst actually practicing. The difficult part is learning to replicate this focus off the mat.

I developed a kind of addiction to my yoga, as it was my pathway to banishing all other thoughts and worries. I was not in competition with anyone else and there were no games to be played as in other parts of my life, particularly in my work life. It improved my concentration; it was addictive in that it allowed me to return to that state of pure focus, time and time again in between the demands of a busy lifestyle. In fact, surprisingly some of my best practice times have been during times of extreme anxiety and stress.

An even greater plus on the physical side was that my menstrual cycle changed. Menstruation lasted for a shorter time and became lighter, wow- what a result this was! Much more than I deserved, or was it? I had worked very hard, disciplined myself and was now reaping the benefits. As my menstrual cycle changed, I discovered that this was just the beginning of positive changes in my life. After living with a tendency to fear change I am becoming aware of the fact that change often encourages creativity, however inevitably hard this may seem at the time, it often necessary in order to achieve a greater step or a higher level. This is evident when practicing astanga over a period of time, as the body changes, the mind becomes stronger and I have noticed that the development of a lightness of body has brought about a lightness of mind and an ability to overcome fear within myself so much so that I have realized that what I once thought was unattainable is now within reach, both physically and mentally. Although my journey has just begun, already my priorities in life have changed, my need for material goods has now become a need for a greater inner quality of life, which I continue to strive for and hope to share with my children and those around me.

I came to yoga mind-driven, a decision I made in the same way as every other decision at that time.it stacked up on the common sense front, had been recommended by someone who's opinion I rated, was something I hadn't tried before and hey, what did I have to loose? I expected little more than a temporary diversion, after all I was used to being hyped- up, living on nervous energy (since being a kid, let's face it) and extremely easily bored.

So there I was, my first class, chattering mind, stressed out body and a spirit that had taken a vow of silence cos I'd ignored it so long! What I actually discovered, weekly and then more frequently, as I rolled out my mat was a plunge pool of intense depth. (yes I bought a mat straight away, but that was no big commitment for me.it'd be in Oxfam before long and someone else would at least benefit from my latest fad) From the start I closed my eyes, why? - god knows. I was sort of hooked but not in a frenetic, rabbit in the headlights way, this was different. There was no desperation for an adrenaline kick, no craving a high, just a deep stillness that fascinated me, scared me and sort of called me.

And then it started..First my Body started to change, I had a season ticket at the osteopath, monthly for the previous 5 years.within 3 months of regular Asana practice I completely stopped needing his help. I slept better, breathed more deeply (when awake I mean) tasted my food more, and had more energy (that I still used up too fast!) I gave up alcohol (just sort of went off it, revolutionary for me!) and finally committed to being a vegetarian.

...Then my Mind sort of responded..it started taking a back seat occasionally and oops my spirit emerged (in the form of tears.lots of them). At this point it's hard.you can either get embarrassed, then angry, blame the yoga and quit (all in about 2 minutes flat), which is actually your mind's way of regaining control.or you can take that step and jump. I still don't know if the jump I took was mind- driven, (goading me to crave the adrenaline rush whilst sardonically 'knowing' it'd fizzle out) or was it my spirit that saw a chink in my to date impenetrable defenses and rushed for the light? Either way - I jumped.

...Now came the scary bit, my Spirit roared. Subdue something living for long enough and it bursts forth, uncontrollable, stamping it's mark on all it touches. Those tears now expressed deep relief. The very thing I feared was the very thing I craved.I had been so busy searching that I hadn't stopped for long enough to listen. The answer was in the silence, silence that terrified me in the past. If I stopped filling the silence I had thought life'd be a void. Wait for it..it's the other way round. Yup that stuff we are all sold in the media, our western materialistic culture, the 'buy your way to happiness' route is a Borg-like conspiracy to control us, rats in a trap, Trueman Show here we come (actually the film Pleasantville is a much better portrayal of the same concept).

'Yoga' starts on the mat but it is sooo much more (there are 8 aspects to occupy you - called the 8 limbs) Yes staying with the mat is fine - you'll get the benefits at a health level. And if you decide against the jump that's ok too, your spirit will eventually push you anyway, if not in this existence then in your next. But what I found was a deep, inky-coloured plunge pool, draped with lush vegetation and surrounded by high, protective mountains. It sort of felt like I had found whatever it was I had been looking for, but I can't explain it. All I know, 18 months later, is that I am not bored. I am still mentally agile but not in a competitive, win at all costs way. I still have adrenaline rushes but now I can differentiate the 'head' ones from the 'Spirit' ones, and believe me the Spirit ones are far better.

I guess, not that I can really summarize all this, that in short yoga has, and is still, changing my outlook and approach to life. My most recent challenge is getting rid of dead animal products from my life.clothes, shoes, leather sofas and car seats! There's not much point in having ethics if they don't challenge you!

Looking back my journey with yoga hasn't been all peace and harmony but then everyone's journey is different. If this is the start of yours I urge you to take that step and experience the exhilaration of the mountain tops, the nourishment of the greenery and the treasures of the inky depths. Like me..what have you got to loose?

Ashtanga yoga is a very calming influence for me. I usually go into the class with a million thoughts whizzing round my brain and by the time I've finished my practice, I'm in a much more peaceful frame of mind and feel really good. In fact, I've felt much healthier in every way since starting - less stressed, more connected to others and the world at large, and I feel much more comfortable in my body. I remember when I was a beginner thinking I would never get into some of the postures but after a while I could - which makes you realise how much you can accomplish in other areas of your life too - becoming more supple and flexible really frees you up physically, mentally and spiritually - as within, so without and vice versa. I prefer the dynamic quality of this yoga compared to other types I've tried - it's somehow more energising to have continuous movement and set postures to work on, and the meditation/relaxation at the end is blissful and very relaxing. I've made some lovely friends through the classes too.


I have been doing Astanga yoga for about 18 months now. When I started, although I was fairly fit, I had been suffering from chronic carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists, and had to wear splints nearly full time. I also had a reoccurring neck pain, which long courses of physiotherapy had done little to relieve- as a consequence I was an insomniac, due to the tension and pain, for which I could find no relief. Within 2 weeks of starting Astanga yoga, I no longer needed to wear the wrist splints, despite the repetitive pressure that I put on my wrists in the various yoga poses. I also noticed a significant improvement in my old neck problem. Now, 18 months later, both complaints are pretty much a thing of the past; my posture has improved, I have lost a stone in weight, despite eating plenty, and have achieved a level of flexibility and fitness that no hours on a treadmill can match! There are so many other benefits too, clarity of mind, higher ability to cope with stress, and inner strength, to name but a few. It is always good to know that after a bad day, I can wind down with the primary series! I have been doing Astanga yoga for about 18 months now. When I started, although I was fairly fit, I had been suffering from chronic carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists, and had to wear splints nearly full time. I also had a reoccurring neck pain, which long courses of physiotherapy had done little to relieve- as a consequence I was an insomniac, due to the tension and pain, for which I could find no relief. Within 2 weeks of starting Astanga yoga, I no longer needed to wear the wrist splints, despite the repetitive pressure that I put on my wrists in the various yoga poses. I also noticed a significant improvement in my old neck problem. Now, 18 months later, both complaints are pretty much a thing of the past; my posture has improved, I have lost a stone in weight, despite eating plenty, and have achieved a level of flexibility and fitness that no hours on a treadmill can match! There are so many other benefits too, clarity of mind, higher ability to cope with stress, and inner strength, to name but a few. It is always good to know that after a bad day, I can wind down with the primary series! Why do I practice Astanga yoga? It appeals on so many levels… a physically demanding total body workout, strength, balance, flexibility- and cardiovascular ( it’s amazing how tiring a “few sun salutations” are when you’re unfit),- perfect for today’s busy lives with so little “me-time” to cram in all-round fitness training. But more than that, I lose myself when I practice. By which I mean I lose the constant mental chatter which turns over and over the same old stresses, worries and agendas; which can’t stop endlessly planning, making lists, trying and trying to find control. And thus each practice is also a meditation,- a wonderful break from all the detritus of everyday life. So the body and the mind are both taken care of in one practice! Great! I find Astanga particularly successful in this as it comprises a set pattern of asanas, which, once learned, are then worked on every time so I can go further and further into them and experience real progression. There is such satisfaction whenever even a tiny bit of progress is made- when I can stretch a little further, hold position a little longer, sustain my breath a little better, balance with a bit less wobbles! – and these progressions are powerful motivators. I also love the flow of postures, a beautiful ballet of asanas and their linking movements (vinyasas), rather then a stop- start series of static poses. (I would still love to see our teacher practice a whole series to see this “dance” done well). It is really nice to feel occasionally graceful even if there is plenty of lumbering too! And the most powerful and focusing aspect is the role of the breath, dominating and directing the practice. Everything is secondary to the breath and when the breath and flow of asanas are working together, I am well and truly “in the zone”. And to achieve good “thoracic” breathing, I have to engage my bandhas (internal body locks) which means a stronger core ( what does yoga do for my abdominals??- a constant 1 and1/2 hour work out PLUS the boat pose x3 That’s what!!), and no embarrassing post-childbirth bladder leaks ( care of moola bandha – although if that slips, embarrassing trumping will result!- never been in such a windy class!). There is much to direct my mind towards – the breath, bandhas, drishtis (gaze points), the myriad of adjustments in each posture,-and so, with little chance for the outside world to pop in to my head , emotional release is a normal part of class. My own releases come in the form of hysterical laughter!! – and indeed another huge appeal of class is the lightness, the shared laughter, the warmth and friendliness I find there. I have never felt intimidated, or less than good enough to be there and have met some really lovely people there. In fact once the sequence of asanas is learned this is a form of yoga where self practice is encouraged. But this doesn’t mean on your own necessarily, just at your own pace rather than being directed as part of a class. I draw huge support from being in a room with the others doing their own self practice- the sound of their breath gives me so much strength and motivation and it feels good to think that my breath is helping and motivating them too. In any asana there will be strengths and weaknesses and what comes more easily to one yogi, will prove more challenging to another. Yes I get frustrated and impatient sometimes, but every practice is different and everyone benefits from everyone else’s progressions and successes. AND the journey is what provides the satisfaction (and a bit of pride!) not the end result (is there ever really an “end” result?). Although I have a very long way to go, I am already amazed at what I have managed ( as a knackered nearly 40 year old mum of 3!). Ultimately I hope I will in fact find myself, - my true self devoid of all the mental crap, and when I am “In the zone” and so fully present in the moment, that is what is starting to happen! And after an hour and a half of focused yoga, the end relaxation is a wonderful chance to meditate,- and maybe release some more emotion, before I have to come back down to earth. A mention, too for our teacher, James, who is certainly inspiring- if unique! All that I have written applies to the yoga itself, but finding a good teacher will obviously amplify all the benefits! Someone who will constantly harangue me is vital!- reminding me when my breath has slipped, (over and over again….thanks James!) . Someone who can explain not only “how to” but also “why” and “what it will do for us”. Someone who will see when each of us is ready to be pushed a little further, and someone who will tirelessly both verbally motivate and physically adjust us, helping us be the best we can and enabling us to experience postures we wouldn’t otherwise be able to. AND especially someone who stimulates so much hilarity even if it is largely via toilet humour! (and noone ever really grows out of that do they?)

I have been doing Astanga yoga for about 18 months now. When I started, although I was fairly fit, I had been suffering from chronic carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists, and had to wear splints nearly full time. I also had a reoccurring neck pain, which long courses of physiotherapy had done little to relieve- as a consequence I was an insomniac, due to the tension and pain, for which I could find no relief.

Within 2 weeks of starting Astanga yoga, I no longer needed to wear the wrist splints, despite the repetitive pressure that I put on my wrists in the various yoga poses. I also noticed a significant improvement in my old neck problem. Now, 18 months later, both complaints are pretty much a thing of the past; my posture has improved, I have lost a stone in weight, despite eating plenty, and have achieved a level of flexibility and fitness that no hours on a treadmill can match! There are so many other benefits too, clarity of mind, higher ability to cope with stress, and inner strength, to name but a few. It is always good to know that after a bad day, I can wind down with the primary series!

I have been doing Astanga yoga for about 18 months now. When I started, although I was fairly fit, I had been suffering from chronic carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists, and had to wear splints nearly full time. I also had a reoccurring neck pain, which long courses of physiotherapy had done little to relieve- as a consequence I was an insomniac, due to the tension and pain, for which I could find no relief.

Within 2 weeks of starting Astanga yoga, I no longer needed to wear the wrist splints, despite the repetitive pressure that I put on my wrists in the various yoga poses. I also noticed a significant improvement in my old neck problem. Now, 18 months later, both complaints are pretty much a thing of the past; my posture has improved, I have lost a stone in weight, despite eating plenty, and have achieved a level of flexibility and fitness that no hours on a treadmill can match! There are so many other benefits too, clarity of mind, higher ability to cope with stress, and inner strength, to name but a few. It is always good to know that after a bad day, I can wind down with the primary series!

Why do I practice Astanga yoga?

It appeals on so many levels… a physically demanding total body workout, strength, balance, flexibility- and cardiovascular ( it’s amazing how tiring a “few sun salutations” are when you’re unfit),- perfect for today’s busy lives with so little “me-time” to cram in all-round fitness training.

But more than that, I lose myself when I practice. By which I mean I lose the constant mental chatter which turns over and over the same old stresses, worries and agendas; which can’t stop endlessly planning, making lists, trying and trying to find control.

And thus each practice is also a meditation,- a wonderful break from all the detritus of everyday life.

So the body and the mind are both taken care of in one practice!

Great!

I find Astanga particularly successful in this as it comprises a set pattern of asanas, which, once learned, are then worked on every time so I can go further and further into them and experience real progression. There is such satisfaction whenever even a tiny bit of progress is made- when I can stretch a little further, hold position a little longer, sustain my breath a little better, balance with a bit less wobbles! – and these progressions are powerful motivators.

I also love the flow of postures, a beautiful ballet of asanas and their linking movements (vinyasas), rather then a stop- start series of static poses. (I would still love to see our teacher practice a whole series to see this “dance” done well). It is really nice to feel occasionally graceful even if there is plenty of lumbering too!

And the most powerful and focusing aspect is the role of the breath, dominating and directing the practice. Everything is secondary to the breath and when the breath and flow of asanas are working together, I am well and truly “in the zone”.

And to achieve good “thoracic” breathing, I have to engage my bandhas (internal body locks) which means a stronger core ( what does yoga do for my abdominals??- a constant 1 and1/2 hour work out PLUS the boat pose x3 That’s what!!), and no embarrassing post-childbirth bladder leaks ( care of moola bandha – although if that slips, embarrassing trumping will result!- never been in such a windy class!).

There is much to direct my mind towards – the breath, bandhas, drishtis (gaze points), the myriad of adjustments in each posture,-and so, with little chance for the outside world to pop in to my head , emotional release is a normal part of class. My own releases come in the form of hysterical laughter!! – and indeed another huge appeal of class is the lightness, the shared laughter, the warmth and friendliness I find there.

I have never felt intimidated, or less than good enough to be there and have met some really lovely people there.

In fact once the sequence of asanas is learned this is a form of yoga where self practice is encouraged. But this doesn’t mean on your own necessarily, just at your own pace rather than being directed as part of a class. I draw huge support from being in a room with the others doing their own self practice- the sound of their breath gives me so much strength and motivation and it feels good to think that my breath is helping and motivating them too.

In any asana there will be strengths and weaknesses and what comes more easily to one yogi, will prove more challenging to another. Yes I get frustrated and impatient sometimes, but every practice is different and everyone benefits from everyone else’s progressions and successes.

AND the journey is what provides the satisfaction (and a bit of pride!) not the end result (is there ever really an “end” result?). Although I have a very long way to go, I am already amazed at what I have managed ( as a knackered nearly 40 year old mum of 3!).

Ultimately I hope I will in fact find myself, - my true self devoid of all the mental crap, and when I am “In the zone” and so fully present in the moment, that is what is starting to happen!

And after an hour and a half of focused yoga, the end relaxation is a wonderful chance to meditate,- and maybe release some more emotion, before I have to come back down to earth.

A mention, too for our teacher, James, who is certainly inspiring- if unique!

All that I have written applies to the yoga itself, but finding a good teacher will obviously amplify all the benefits! Someone who will constantly harangue me is vital!- reminding me when my breath has slipped, (over and over again….thanks James!) . Someone who can explain not only “how to” but also “why” and “what it will do for us”. Someone who will see when each of us is ready to be pushed a little further, and someone who will tirelessly both verbally motivate and physically adjust us, helping us be the best we can and enabling us to experience postures we wouldn’t otherwise be able to.

AND especially someone who stimulates so much hilarity even if it is largely via toilet humour! (and noone ever really grows out of that do they?)


What does astanga yoga mean to me? Firstly it’s a fantastic work out which has well and truly held my attention for the last six months and shows no signs of waning like most of the other forms of exercise I’ve tried. Unlike your bog standard gym workout which becomes a mental challenge due to boredom, I find yoga much more inspiring – it’s not only physically challenging but because of the focus on breath and bandhas (like a bull!) and the flow of the series it becomes almost meditative. An hour and a half flies by and I get so much more out of it. A personal trainer once told me that yoga alone would never be enough to get my body fit - he had obviously never tried astanga yoga. My body is definitely changing; stronger, more flexible with more muscle definition. Aside from walking and the odd run it’s the only exercise I do, and I am now working up to thrice weekly practice. Unfortunately I do have problems with my lower back which tend to strike without warning. It doesn’t stop me practising although I do have to be careful with certain poses. I’ve heard that yoga can highlight problems with your body that you probably wouldn’t be aware of until much later in life; exposing them now allows us to deal with them and hopefully stay mobile and flexible for the rest of our lives. By continuing to practise I hope to open up my back again and be the kid who was always upside down! I have tried various forms of yoga in the past including astanga so why has it bitten me now? Apparently it’s not supposed to be about the teacher but of course it does make a huge difference and I find James’ classes inspirational. Fun and serious at the same time and definitely not dull, I never leave the class without learning something new even if it’s just an alternative name for certain parts of the body that ordinary instructors would be too polite/boring/shy to mention!! Astanga Yoga Wow! Having tried, and detested Hatha Yoga, I really didn't think Astanga would rock my boat. How wrong was I?! The classes are hard core, and for someone who is quite goal focused and in need of discipline I found them both challenging and extremely painful! Brilliant! I started the classes because I have come to realise that I focused too much on the body beautiful. Now I understand that staying flexible and strong is far better for your body and soul. Also, I have a scoliosis which could easily cripple me later in life... the classes have loosened my back and it's a whole lot less painful. James was really keen that I didn't compete or compare; but at first, I have to admit, I did become a bit of a competetive stretcher, looking around the class and attempting to 'beat' other people by pushing a bit harder. Now I realise that there will always be positions I struggle with and some I can do easily - just like everybody else. I've improved beyond my expectations and feel really proud that I've stuck with it and not given up after the first week just because my legs were so stiff I couldn't actually get down my stairs! (That goes by the way! Now I get sore but I can still walk!) I'll never be the best yoga practictioner in the world but I'm going to stick with it for many years to come. Here's to doing the slits at 80! If you don’t know what Astanga Yoga is, you are not alone. I had never heard of it when my friend suggested that I join her at a class she had recently started taking. I wasn’t that interested to be honest and rather busy at the time, so I said I would think about it and maybe next time and all those things you say to someone you want to go away. She didn’t drop it though, and so finally, with a free morning looming, she hoodwinked me into going along to one of James’s classes. I have done yoga before. I spend a lot of time with pregnant women and so frequently find myself with them in active birth and other pregnancy yoga classes. Sometimes I am even known to join in. We all gently stretch and maybe hum on our pretty yoga mats. Not exactly my style. I cycle. I cycle fast and for long distances and I like to sweat when I exercise. I used to lift weights but got a bit obsessed by it and decided to stop when small children openly wept when I wore my bikini on the beach. I once tried Pilates for a six weeks session and found it infuriating and rather too much like pelvic floor exercises for my liking, all that eye focussing into the middle distance and trying to contract muscles you couldn’t even see. I didn’t sweat once. So now I was at the gym with my friend and James started the class. I was ready. I’m pretty fit I reckon, and how hard is it to stretch and hum on a mat? Let’s just say that twenty minutes in to the most challenging class I have ever been to, I was wondering if my friend even liked me. This was surely some hideous practical joke? I actually promised myself that if I survived the whole class (an hour and a half! Surely not!) I would never ever have to come back again. Never. Ever. James works with you at speed, assuming that you can keep up with him, saying things once and then expecting you to follow him. He takes no prisoners and helps you get into a position that you would have sworn was impossible. There is pain, but you know, it is a strange sort of positive pain which actually makes you feel good. Like a chiropractic adjustment. I actually started to enjoy the fact that James expected me to do things I patently couldn’t and I started imaging that I could do the things he was asking us to do. I survived the class. I woke up the next morning and was unable to dress myself. I was so stiff I could barely function. The next day I was better, but strangely intrigued by the whole process. Why was it so hard and why was I so bad at it (I’m not used to being bad at things)? I couldn’t do a headstand, a handstand was so far beyond my capabilities, it was a joke… but James seemed to think I could manage it… The next class was a few days later. James wasn’t surprised to see me. I was very surprised to be there. I had even bought a mat. Again, his expectation that I could do what he was asking me to do was alternately inspiring and infuriating. I also noticed that he had nicknames for everyone in the class and decided that rather like a Nazi death camp guard, it was better to call us all by names other than those given by loving parents as then we were dehumanised and he was better able to humiliate with humour and instruct… but strangely gently. He is nothing if not entertaining and time seems to pass very quickly. “Give me three months” he said to someone within my earshot. I decided to stick it out and see what would happen if I did give him three months. I am also someone who hates to be beaten by anything and so was determined to at least get the basics down. I spent every other morning of a three week family holiday doing my yoga with a smile on my face. One thing that James stresses is self-practice which is also strangely inspiring. He doesn’t want you to be reliant on him, or his classes; he is teaching you something to take away and do for yourself. Then come back every now and again so he can fine tune the poses and encourage you… or perhaps humiliate you less. So last night I went to see James for the first time in a month, three months after I had first met him. He treated me with just the right amount of disdain to make me snort with mirth (and my rather attractive nasal honking I call a giggle, was enough to earn me the nickname Whinny, as I sound like a horse…). I managed to get through most of the primary series without too much humiliation and when I got to the headstand and stayed up for 15 breathes (and seriously just being upside down a month ago was enough to make me feel queasy and that was with James holding me up by my feet) I heard him walk past me and say “Good”. For the first time ever. I was glowing with pride, until I realised he hadn’t seen me at all, but had a bit of congestion and was clearing his throat not congratulating me at all. But I can now do loads of things I couldn’t do when I started. I am definitely fitter, my core body strength is noticeably better and my stomach is seriously toned in a way I have only dreamt of in the past. (husband actually wept openly this summer when I put on a bikini, but in a GOOD way) I also find myself looking forward to classes, to the camaraderie (I guess it is bunker spirit) but most of all to the challenge which is what it is all about. I also love to self practice so I can squeeze a bit of yoga into even the busiest day. If you are looking for something new and exciting, if you want to get fit and be thoroughly entertained for a few hours, come along to one of the many classes James teaches. You may just get hooked… (I have to add that if you are at all an addictive personality, beware. My friend who first introduced me says this is like my crack cocaine now… and yes, we are still talking…) (18 months on and I am still going to yoga three times a week in a vaguely obsessive fashion. I can do loads of things that I couldn't and am as fit as I have ever been. I feel fantastic and even though I "haven't got time" for yoga, making time makes sense. I now watch a new person at the front of the class from my vantage point at the back and hope they get as inspired as I did. It's not too floral to say James has changed my life and my body. In a really good way.) (Lead with your HEART, James.)

What does astanga yoga mean to me?

Firstly it’s a fantastic work out which has well and truly held my attention for the last six months and shows no signs of waning like most of the other forms of exercise I’ve tried. Unlike your bog standard gym workout which becomes a mental challenge due to boredom, I find yoga much more inspiring – it’s not only physically challenging but because of the focus on breath and bandhas (like a bull!) and the flow of the series it becomes almost meditative. An hour and a half flies by and I get so much more out of it.

A personal trainer once told me that yoga alone would never be enough to get my body fit - he had obviously never tried astanga yoga. My body is definitely changing; stronger, more flexible with more muscle definition. Aside from walking and the odd run it’s the only exercise I do, and I am now working up to thrice weekly practice. Unfortunately I do have problems with my lower back which tend to strike without warning. It doesn’t stop me practising although I do have to be careful with certain poses. I’ve heard that yoga can highlight problems with your body that you probably wouldn’t be aware of until much later in life; exposing them now allows us to deal with them and hopefully stay mobile and flexible for the rest of our lives. By continuing to practise I hope to open up my back again and be the kid who was always upside down!

I have tried various forms of yoga in the past including astanga so why has it bitten me now? Apparently it’s not supposed to be about the teacher but of course it does make a huge difference and I find James’ classes inspirational. Fun and serious at the same time and definitely not dull, I never leave the class without learning something new even if it’s just an alternative name for certain parts of the body that ordinary instructors would be too polite/boring/shy to mention!!

Astanga Yoga Wow! Having tried, and detested Hatha Yoga, I really didn't think Astanga would rock my boat. How wrong was I?! The classes are hard core, and for someone who is quite goal focused and in need of discipline I found them both challenging and extremely painful! Brilliant! I started the classes because I have come to realise that I focused too much on the body beautiful. Now I understand that staying flexible and strong is far better for your body and soul. Also, I have a scoliosis which could easily cripple me later in life... the classes have loosened my back and it's a whole lot less painful. James was really keen that I didn't compete or compare; but at first, I have to admit, I did become a bit of a competetive stretcher, looking around the class and attempting to 'beat' other people by pushing a bit harder. Now I realise that there will always be positions I struggle with and some I can do easily - just like everybody else. I've improved beyond my expectations and feel really proud that I've stuck with it and not given up after the first week just because my legs were so stiff I couldn't actually get down my stairs! (That goes by the way! Now I get sore but I can still walk!) I'll never be the best yoga practictioner in the world but I'm going to stick with it for many years to come. Here's to doing the slits at 80!

If you don’t know what Astanga Yoga is, you are not alone. I had never heard of it when my friend suggested that I join her at a class she had recently started taking. I wasn’t that interested to be honest and rather busy at the time, so I said I would think about it and maybe next time and all those things you say to someone you want to go away. She didn’t drop it though, and so finally, with a free morning looming, she hoodwinked me into going along to one of James’s classes.

I have done yoga before. I spend a lot of time with pregnant women and so frequently find myself with them in active birth and other pregnancy yoga classes. Sometimes I am even known to join in. We all gently stretch and maybe hum on our pretty yoga mats. Not exactly my style. I cycle. I cycle fast and for long distances and I like to sweat when I exercise. I used to lift weights but got a bit obsessed by it and decided to stop when small children openly wept when I wore my bikini on the beach. I once tried Pilates for a six weeks session and found it infuriating and rather too much like pelvic floor exercises for my liking, all that eye focussing into the middle distance and trying to contract muscles you couldn’t even see. I didn’t sweat once. So now I was at the gym with my friend and James started the class.

I was ready. I’m pretty fit I reckon, and how hard is it to stretch and hum on a mat?

Let’s just say that twenty minutes in to the most challenging class I have ever been to, I was wondering if my friend even liked me. This was surely some hideous practical joke? I actually promised myself that if I survived the whole class (an hour and a half! Surely not!) I would never ever have to come back again. Never. Ever. James works with you at speed, assuming that you can keep up with him, saying things once and then expecting you to follow him. He takes no prisoners and helps you get into a position that you would have sworn was impossible. There is pain, but you know, it is a strange sort of positive pain which actually makes you feel good. Like a chiropractic adjustment. I actually started to enjoy the fact that James expected me to do things I patently couldn’t and I started imaging that I could do the things he was asking us to do. I survived the class.

I woke up the next morning and was unable to dress myself. I was so stiff I could barely function. The next day I was better, but strangely intrigued by the whole process. Why was it so hard and why was I so bad at it (I’m not used to being bad at things)? I couldn’t do a headstand, a handstand was so far beyond my capabilities, it was a joke… but James seemed to think I could manage it…

The next class was a few days later. James wasn’t surprised to see me. I was very surprised to be there. I had even bought a mat. Again, his expectation that I could do what he was asking me to do was alternately inspiring and infuriating. I also noticed that he had nicknames for everyone in the class and decided that rather like a Nazi death camp guard, it was better to call us all by names other than those given by loving parents as then we were dehumanised and he was better able to humiliate with humour and instruct… but strangely gently. He is nothing if not entertaining and time seems to pass very quickly.

“Give me three months” he said to someone within my earshot. I decided to stick it out and see what would happen if I did give him three months. I am also someone who hates to be beaten by anything and so was determined to at least get the basics down. I spent every other morning of a three week family holiday doing my yoga with a smile on my face. One thing that James stresses is self-practice which is also strangely inspiring. He doesn’t want you to be reliant on him, or his classes; he is teaching you something to take away and do for yourself. Then come back every now and again so he can fine tune the poses and encourage you… or perhaps humiliate you less.

So last night I went to see James for the first time in a month, three months after I had first met him. He treated me with just the right amount of disdain to make me snort with mirth (and my rather attractive nasal honking I call a giggle, was enough to earn me the nickname Whinny, as I sound like a horse…). I managed to get through most of the primary series without too much humiliation and when I got to the headstand and stayed up for 15 breathes (and seriously just being upside down a month ago was enough to make me feel queasy and that was with James holding me up by my feet) I heard him walk past me and say “Good”. For the first time ever. I was glowing with pride, until I realised he hadn’t seen me at all, but had a bit of congestion and was clearing his throat not congratulating me at all.

But I can now do loads of things I couldn’t do when I started. I am definitely fitter, my core body strength is noticeably better and my stomach is seriously toned in a way I have only dreamt of in the past. (husband actually wept openly this summer when I put on a bikini, but in a GOOD way) I also find myself looking forward to classes, to the camaraderie (I guess it is bunker spirit) but most of all to the challenge which is what it is all about. I also love to self practice so I can squeeze a bit of yoga into even the busiest day. If you are looking for something new and exciting, if you want to get fit and be thoroughly entertained for a few hours, come along to one of the many classes James teaches. You may just get hooked… (I have to add that if you are at all an addictive personality, beware. My friend who first introduced me says this is like my crack cocaine now… and yes, we are still talking…)

(18 months on and I am still going to yoga three times a week in a vaguely obsessive fashion. I can do loads of things that I couldn't and am as fit as I have ever been. I feel fantastic and even though I "haven't got time" for yoga, making time makes sense. I now watch a new person at the front of the class from my vantage point at the back and hope they get as inspired as I did. It's not too floral to say James has changed my life and my body. In a really good way.) (Lead with your HEART, James.)